PRIME MINISTER

Child Support Agency

Andrew Turner: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the oral answer of 16 November 2005, Official Report, column 964, what the evidential basis is for his statement that (a) the administrative costs of the Child Support Agency (CSA) outweighed the money it took in 1997 and (b) in the majority of CSA cases the child concerned is not the product of either a married or stable relationship.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the Child Support Agency's (CSA) Annual report and accounts for the financial years 1995–96 and 1996–97. Copies of this are available in the Library of the House.
	The majority of the workload dealt with by the CSA is generated by the more difficult cases, in particular where there is no previous stable relationship between the parents.
	In addition, results from a national survey of CSA clients (Wikely N et al, 2001) (carried out in 1999 prior to the recent reforms) allow comparative analysis of the characteristics of compliant and non-compliant non-resident parents. Previously married and cohabiting non-resident parents were, respectively, five and three times more likely to comply with the CSA than those in less stable relationships.

Social Office

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  if he will list each person employed by the Number 10 Social Office since May 1997;
	(2)  whether the Number 10 Social Office has a logo;
	(3)  whether the remit of the operation of the Number 10 Social Office is limited solely to arranging events which take place in Downing street;
	(4)  whether work is undertaken by members of the Social Office which is not directly related to the Prime Minister's official duties.

Tony Blair: There is no such office within the Prime Minister's Office.
	The Events and Visits Office manage all official events, domestic and international visits for the Prime Minister's Office.

Social Office

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Prime Minister whether members of the Number 10 Social Office have accompanied the spouse of the Prime Minister on (a) official and (b) unofficial engagements (i) in the UK and (ii) overseas.

Tony Blair: When the spouse of the Prime Minister travels in an official capacity she is provided with administrative support from the Events and Visits Office as necessary.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

Synods (Armed Forces)

Robert Key: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what relationship the General Synod of the Church of England has with (a) the Forces Synodical Council and (b) the Army Archdeaconry Synod; and if he will make a statement.

Stuart Bell: The information is as follows:
	(a) The Forces Synodical Council has an enhanced representation on General Synod from this year and can now appoint up to seven members of the General Synod (not more than one bishop, not more than four persons who are in holy orders elected or chosen from among service chaplains and not more than four elected or chosen lay people). In the present Synod the Council has appointed one bishop and elected three service chaplains and three lay people.
	(b) The Army Archdeaconry Synod forms part of the Forces Synodical Council and, as such, has no formal relationship with the General Synod.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Electoral Commission

Fraser Kemp: To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission how many people are employed by the Electoral Commission.

Peter Viggers: The Commission informs me that it currently employs 155 people.

Electoral Commission

Fraser Kemp: To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission what the total annual expenditure for the Electoral Commission was in each year for which figures are available.

Peter Viggers: The Commission informs me that its outturn expenditure in each of the years concerned is as set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Outturn expenditure (£ million) 
		
		
			 2001–02 6.066 
			 2002–03 18.160 
			 2003–04 18.635 
			 2004–05 24.824 
			 2005–06 (1)23.974 
			 (1) (estimated)

NORTHERN IRELAND

Schools

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action is being taken to improve performance in schools in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: We are committed to driving up performance in schools in Northern Ireland by taking forward a wide range of initiatives aimed at raising standards, tackling under achievement and targeting funding at those areas of greatest social need.

Schools

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects that a decision will be taken on whether Brooklands Primary School will be in a position to replace the school patrol-crossing man; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: The South-Eastern Education and Library Board has agreed to the employment of a temporary School Crossing patrol at Brooklands Primary School until such time as a further review of the patrol point can be undertaken, using the regionally agreed assessment criteria. The Board has also undertaken to initiate discussions urgently with the school, and other agencies, to seek ways of improving road safety generally in the vicinity of the school entrance.

Schools

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last visited a grammar school in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, was the guest speaker at the Politics Society of Bangor Grammar School on 8 November. He has recently visited a number of schools in order to gain first hand experience of the Northern Ireland education system.

Schools

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the requirement for school building repairs in the North Eastern education and library board area.

Angela Smith: The chief executive of the north Eastern education and library board (NEELB) has advised me that at 31 March 2005 there was a backlog of £37 million maintenance for the schools in the NEELB area. The Board anticipates that £1.5 million will be spent on response maintenance for the controlled and maintained schools in the 2005–06 financial year.

Schools

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding is available to primary schools in Northern Ireland in 2005–06 in respect of (a) Head and Clerical, (b) Professional and other, (c) Primary School Allowances, (d) Delegated Schools Standards Grant, or equivalent, (e) All Revenue Standards Fund Allocation, or equivalent, (f) Devolved EIC Grant allocation, or equivalent and (g) Devolved Capital Standards Fund allocation, or equivalent.

Angela Smith: Funding for Northern Ireland primary schools is not allocated under the arrangements described and information is not therefore available on the basis requested.

Schools

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children are eligible for free school meals in each board area within Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The requested information is as follows:
	
		Children entitled to free school meals(1) by Education and Library Board area in Northern Ireland, 2004–05
		
			  Pupils 
		
		
			 Belfast 16,393 
			 Western 16,079 
			 North Eastern 10,618 
			 South Eastern 9,438 
			 Southern 14,494 
			 Northern Ireland total 67,022 
		
	
	(1) For nursery pupils and children in voluntary and private pre-school centres, the number of children with 'a parent, or parents, in receipt of Income Support or Job Seeker's allowance' was used as a proxy for free school meal entitlement.
	Note:
	Figures relate to pupils at voluntary and private pre-school centres, nursery schools, primary schools and post-primary schools. Figures for pupils at special schools entitled to free school meals are not collected.

Schools

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) school and (b) library facilities are planned for closure in each of the education boards in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The following school closures and amalgamations are currently planned in each of the Education and Library Board areas.
	
		
			 Education and Library Board area School/s  
		
		
			 North-Eastern St. Louis PS/St. Joseph's PS/ Amalgamation (into 2 new schools) 
			  All Saints PS/St. Mary's PS. Ballymena  
			  Kilcoan PS/Mullaghdubh PS, Islandmagee Amalgamation 
			 Southern Annaghmore PS/Tullyroan PS Amalgamation 
			  Tullymacarette PS Closure 
			  Ardmore PS Closure 
			  Loughbrickland PS Closure 
			 Western Burnfoot PS/Dungiven PS/Largy PS Amalgamation 
			  Coranny PS/Cornagague PS, Roslea Amalgamation 
			  Limegrove/Glasvey Special Schools Amalgamation 
			 South-Eastern Charley Memorial PS /Lambeg PS /Hillhall PS/Drumbo PS Amalgamation 
			  Holywood PS/Redburn PS Amalgamation 
		
	
	In addition, there are two current development proposals for amalgamations in the North Eastern Education and Library Board area involving two post-primary schools and three special schools on which decisions have not yet been taken.
	
		
			 Education and Library Board Area School/s Proposed date of Amalgamation 
		
		
			 North-Eastern St. Malachy's High School, Antrim and St. Olcan's High School, Randalstown 1 September 2006—in new school on St. Olcan's site. 
			 North-Eastern Beechgrove, Dunfane and Loughan Special Schools Amalgamation in a new school on the former site of Ballymena Boy's and Girls' Schools, on a date that will be determined by the completion of a new building 
		
	
	At the present date, the North Eastern Education and Library Board is reviewing the future of three branch libraries. This issue will be discussed at the Board's library committee meeting in December. Currently no decisions have been made by any of the other Boards about further library closures.

Schools

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects the new build programme for schools in Northern Ireland for the 2005–06 financial year to be announced.

Angela Smith: It is expected that an announcement on the 2005 schools' major capital allocations will be made in the next few weeks.

Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has held with victims groups in Northern Ireland on the proposals in the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill.

Peter Hain: In the last two weeks my ministerial colleagues and I have met with representatives of the RUC George Cross Foundation, the RUC George Cross Widows Association and RUC George Cross Parents Association, and also with the Police Federation, the Superintendents Association and the Prison Governors Association and with representatives of the four main Christian denominations, who also have an interest in the concerns of victims.
	My right hon. friend the Prime Minister will also meet representatives from the RUC George Cross Parents Association and the RUC George Cross Widows Association later this afternoon, at the request of the hon. Member for North Down.

Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill.

Peter Hain: The Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill was introduced on 9 November. The Second Reading debate is this afternoon.
	This Bill will enact the proposals published in May 2003 to address the unresolved issue of on-the-run terrorist suspects.

Smoking Ban

Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had regarding plans to ban smoking in public places in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: Prior to announcing controls to protect workers in Northern Ireland by April 2007, we received significant support for comprehensive controls from the public, consulted widely and fully with trade unions—all but one totally supported comprehensive controls—and discussed the impact on the employment and hospitality sectors in Dublin and New York.

Paramilitaries

Michael Connarty: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment he has made of the criminal activities of members and former members of Northern Ireland's paramilitary organisations.

Shaun Woodward: The IMC report published on 19 October provided a clear assessment of the current activities of paramilitary groups, up to the end of August.
	This report recognises the PIRA statement as 'very significant' and that
	initial signs . . . are encouraging".

Paramilitaries

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of paramilitary violence have been attributed to (a) loyalist and (b) republican organisations in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Shaun Woodward: We condemn all violence and intimidation. The most recent published information can be found in the 7th IMC Report.

Security Situation

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: We continue to see dramatic improvements in the security situation. Paramilitary attacks also continue on a downward trend. The Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) report published in October stated that the initial signs following the Provisional IRA statement were encouraging.

EU Environmental Directives

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his Department's compliance with EU environmental directives.

Angela Smith: The Department of the Environment has cleared a significant backlog of both EU and domestic legislation, introducing over 50 pieces of subordinate and primary legislation. Full compliance with the main water quality Directives will be achieved through completion of the on-going major investment programme in wastewater treatment works by the Department for Regional Development.

NICE Guidelines

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with whom he has held discussions in relation to extending National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines to Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: Proposals for applying NICE guidance in Northern Ireland were originally set out in the 2001 consultation document Best Practice—Best Care". Responses to that consultation indicated widespread support for a link with NICE which would ensure application of the Institute's guidance in Northern Ireland where appropriate. My Department has been discussing the detail of these arrangements with NICE, the Department of Health in London, and local health and social services interests.

Integrated Education

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the potential role of integrated education in the peace process.

Angela Smith: Integrated education is an important building block towards creating the conditions necessary for long-term peace and stability in Northern Ireland.
	We recognise that the integrated sector, together with all sectors of education, has a vital role to play in shaping a shared future for Northern Ireland.
	It is our policy to encourage and facilitate integrated education through the recognition of and response to parental demand.

Acute Hospitals

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many acute hospital beds in Northern Ireland are to be taken out of service within the next six months.

Shaun Woodward: The Eastern Health and Social Services Board has recently announced plans to shift resources from the hospital sector to provide better, more effective services in the community. This shift equates to 109 beds and is fully aligned with best practice. It represents a significant step in building and shaping services in a modern way, close to people's homes with less reliance on the hospital sector.
	The Northern Health and Social Services Board also has plans to invest in a number of services aimed at reducing demand for hospital services but these plans are still under development.

Acute Hospitals

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many acute hospitals are proposed for closure in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: Under Developing Better Services, none of the current hospitals offering acute services will be closed—rather, they will be adapted to play their part in a new configuration of service provision.

Alcohol-related A and E Admissions

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of admissions to each hospital accident and emergency department in Northern Ireland has been linked to alcohol in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: Information is not available on the number of attendances at hospital accident and emergency departments that are linked to alcohol. However, the number of admissions to hospital via an accident and emergency department is available.
	The table shows the percentage of total admissions to each hospital trust, via the accident and emergency department, that had an associated alcohol-related diagnosis for each of the last five years for which data are available.
	
		Percentage of all admissions(2) via accident and emergency that had an alcohol-related diagnosis
		
			 HSS Trust 2004–05 2003–04 2002–03 2001–02 2000/01 
		
		
			 Mater Informorum 3 2 3 2 0 
			 Belfast City 1 1 1 1 1 
			 Royal Group 3 3 3 3 3 
			 Green Park 1 1 1 1 1 
			 UC and HT 1 1 0 1 1 
			 Down Lisburn 9 3 1 4 1 
			 United 3 2 3 2 2 
			 Causeway 1 1 0 1 1 
			 Armagh and Dungannon 1 4 2 3 3 
			 Craigavon Group 1 2 1 2 1 
			 Newry and Mourne 2 2 1 1 2 
			 Altnagelvin 2 1 1 1 0 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 2 1 1 1 1 
			 Total 2 2 2 2 2 
		
	
	(2) Discharges and deaths are used as an approximation for admissions. It is possible that any individual could be admitted to hospital more than once in any year and will thus be counted more than once as an admission.
	Source:
	Hospital In-patients System.

Ambulance Staff (Assaults)

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many attacks on ambulance staff responding to 999 calls in Northern Ireland, occurred in the first 10 months of (a) 2004 and (b) 2005.

Shaun Woodward: The relevant figures are provided in the following table:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1 January to 31 October 2004 103 
			 1 January to 31 October 2005 60

Andrew Smith

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many days Mr. Andrew Smith worked for the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency as a non-executive director in each year he was employed.

David Hanson: The information requested is shown as follows.
	
		
			 Financial years Number of days worked 
		
		
			 1999–2000 32.75 
			 2000–01 76.25 
			 2001–02 75 
			 2002–03 61 
			 2003–04 56.50 
			 2004–05 10

Andrew Smith

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who gave approval to the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency to employ Mr. Andrew Smith as a non-executive director beyond his contracted annual total of days.

David Hanson: The chief executive of the Social Security Agency gave approval to employ Mr. Smith beyond his contracted annual total of days in accordance with his contract of employment.

Animal Welfare

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many animals taken into care by the responsible authorities in Northern Ireland were destroyed in the most recent 12 months for which figures are available.

Angela Smith: I am responding in respect of the number of dogs taken into care by the responsible authorities in Northern Ireland.
	Under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 district councils are responsible for dealing with stray dogs in Northern Ireland. In the 12-month period January to December 2004 district councils impounded 9,145 dogs and placed them in approved dog pounds. Of these 3,371 were humanely destroyed. The remainder were either reclaimed by their owners or sold by the dog pounds.

Anti-poverty Strategy

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide funding for implementing an anti-poverty strategy in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: Public consultation on the proposed anti-poverty strategy for Northern Ireland was completed on the 26 August 2005. Copies of the consultation document are available in the Library.
	Proposals on the way forward, including how the strategy will be resourced, are currently being prepared for consideration by Ministers.
	The finalised anti-poverty strategy for Northern Ireland will be published later this year.

Antisocial Behaviour

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money he has allocated towards tackling antisocial behaviour in North Down in each of the past three years.

David Hanson: Four projects in the North Down area have been supported through the Community Safety Challenge Competition to tackle antisocial behaviour. The amount of funding allocated to these projects was £120,705 and £143,603 for 2003–04 and 2004–05 respectively. Other regional initiatives include the objective of reducing antisocial behaviour but it is not possible to disaggregate expenditure specific to the North Down area.

Ards Hospital

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the ministerial visits that have taken place to the Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Ards hospital in each of the past five years.

Shaun Woodward: There are no records of any ministerial visits that have taken place to the Mental Health Inpatient Unit at Ards hospital in any of the past five years.

Asbestos

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many compensation awards have been made to workers suffering from an asbestos-related health condition in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

Angela Smith: In each of the last five years compensation awards have been made under the Pneumoconiosis, etc., (Workers' Compensation) (NI) Order 1979 to workers suffering from an asbestos related condition in Northern Ireland as follows:
	
		
			  Number of awards 
		
		
			 2000–01 5 
			 2001–02 7 
			 2002–03 8 
			 2003–04 10 
			 2004–05 3

Avian Influenza

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who would be responsible for co-ordinating responses across the Health Board areas in Northern Ireland in the event of an avian influenza pandemic.

Shaun Woodward: In the event of a pandemic influenza occurring in Northern Ireland the Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety would activate the Regional Health Command Centre which would then direct the use of all Health and Personal Social Services resources including the establishment of the Northern Ireland Influenza Pandemic Control Committee. Details of actions at each phase of a pandemic are described in the Northern Ireland Influenza Contingency Plan, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

Belfast International Airport

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Government plans to upgrade the road route from Belfast International Airport to Belfast city centre.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin to Dr. William McCrea, dated 23 November 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding when the Government plans to upgrade the road route from Belfast International Airport (BIA) to Belfast city centre. I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	The primary route from BIA to Belfast is via the A57, the A6 through Templepatrick and the M2 motorway.
	The most significant delays on this route are experienced by southbound traffic on the M2 motorway approaching the Sandyknowes junction in the morning peak hour. Roads Service plans to widen the southbound carriageway to create an additional lane between the Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions. This will make it easier for traffic joining the motorway whilst providing greater capacity for Belfast-bound traffic on the motorway. Construction of these improvements is expected to start during 2008.
	This £30 million M2 Widening Scheme is one of three schemes forming part of the £100 million Roads Service's Design, Build, Finance and Operate Package 1, along with the Ml/Westlink Project and the Antrim Hospital slip roads.
	At present we have no plans for capital improvement to the A57/A6.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Belfast International Airport

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government are taking further to improve the services of Belfast International airport.

Shaun Woodward: The Government support the development of Belfast International airport, as set out in the Air Transport White Paper 2003.
	Belfast International airport has, in common with the other two commercial airports in Northern Ireland, benefited in the past from the Government's Air Route Development Fund. However, the operation of this fund is currently in abeyance.
	The development of further services from Belfast International airport is a matter for its private sector owner.

Belfast-Dublin Rail Services

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to upgrade the infrastructure on the Belfast to Dublin railway line to reduce the train travel time between Belfast and Dublin; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: Translink has recently commissioned a consultant to undertake a study into the feasibility and likely cost of reducing journey times for rail services between Belfast and Dublin. As the study is expected to continue to the end of this year, a statement cannot be made at this stage.

Benefit Fraud

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to reduce benefit fraud in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The Social Security Agency has a wide ranging approach to reducing fraud which is detailed in Programme Protection Plans which are in place in all operational units.
	These include:
	interventions on fresh claims;
	a programme of data matching benefit systems against other computer systems in organisations such as Inland Revenue, banks, credit agencies and utility companies to identify cases where incorrect information has been provided;
	where fraud does get into the system the agency has a specialist counter fraud unit with staff trained to professional standards to investigate suspected fraud and produce evidence to support appropriate action which can range from prosecution to cautions;
	an advertising campaign titled It's a Rip-off" designed to make social security fraud socially unacceptable and deter people from committing fraud; and
	a robust approach to the prosecution of offenders which, this year, has seen 170 successful prosecutions.

Blood Donation

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many blood donations have been rejected in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: Blood donors may be deferred from giving blood or the donations themselves may subsequently be rejected. The single largest reason for deferment is a low haemoglobin level, which accounts for 6 per cent. of total donor attendances. Donations may be rejected after collection for technical reasons, e.g. inadequate volume, or in a very small number of cases because they fail the standard screening for blood-borne diseases.
	Figures for total donations and rejections over the last five years are given in the following table, although the information for 2000–01 is incomplete.
	
		
			  Whole blood attendance Whole blood donations Number of donors turned down before donation Percentage of donors turned down before donation 
		
		
			 2004–05 81,088 67,384 13,704 16.9 
			 2003–04 81,709 68,799 12,910 15.8 
			 2002–03 79,481 67,797 11,684 14.7 
			 2001–02 79,363 66,982 12,381 15.6 
			 2000–01 82,002 69,702 12,300 15.0 
			  
			 Total 403,643 340,664 62,979 15.6 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of donations rejected after donation Donations banked 
		
		
			 2004–05 3,892 63,492 
			 2003–04 4,007 64,792 
			 2002–03 4,149 63,648 
			 2001–02 4,124 62,858 
			 2000–01 — —

Bullying

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from schools seeking support to deal with bullying.

Angela Smith: The Department has not been contacted by individual schools seeking support to deal with bullying. However, the Department has taken pro-active steps to support schools in tackling bullying through development and publication of guidance.
	In 2004 the Department in partnership with voluntary organisations, including Save the Children, established an Anti-bullying Forum to enable a collaborative and co-ordinated approach to tackling bullying in schools. The forum enables members to share models of best practice, disseminate information, to develop and co-ordinate joint initiatives to ensure that schools and organisations working with children and young people are able to develop appropriate strategies to prevent and deal with bullying behaviours.

Bullying

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  how many cases of bullying were reported in the (a) controlled, (b) maintained, (c) voluntary and (d) integrated sectors of education in each year since 2002;
	(2)  how many cases of bullying were reported in (a) the secondary school sector and (b) the grammar school sector in each year since 2002.

Angela Smith: The Department of Education does not collect the information requested.
	Information about the scale and nature of bullying in Northern Ireland schools is contained in a research report published in October 2002. A research briefing summary is available on the Department's website at www.deni.gov .uk/rb8_2002.pdf.
	The Department has recently commissioned updated research into bullying, in all its forms, and the results will also be published in due course.

Business Regulation

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to reduce the burden of regulation on business in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: A Better Regulation Strategy was introduced by the Northern Ireland Executive in December 2001 in order to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses of all sizes. As part of this, a more robust regulatory impact assessment procedure was introduced. Departments now carry out a micro business test to assess the impact of any proposed legislation on businesses with fewer than five employees. Departments are also required to give all businesses at least 12 weeks' advance notice of any legislation and to provide appropriate guidance on implementation.
	The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is keeping this strategy under review and is liaising with the Cabinet Office Better Regulation Unit to ensure that improvements in the regulatory regime for businesses are consistently implemented across the United Kingdom.

Emissions

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how the Government plans to cut carbon emissions from 1990 levels in Northern Ireland to meet Kyoto agreement targets.

Angela Smith: The United Kingdom has a Kyoto target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 12.5 per cent. (below 1990 levels) by 2008 to 2012 and national targets to specifically reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions by 20 per cent. by 2010 and by 60 per cent. by 2050. The UK is on course to meet the Kyoto target but is currently not on track to achieve the domestic 2010 CO 2 target. In Northern Ireland total GHG emissions in 2003 were 3.5 per cent. below the 1990 base year.
	A range of policies and measures are being implemented across government departments in Northern Ireland to reduce CO 2 emissions. These include;
	The implementation of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Strategic Framework for Northern Ireland Energy Supply which includes switching to more efficient gas fired power generation, expanding the natural gas network beyond the Greater Belfast area and increasing the use of renewable energy for heat and power generation.
	The introduction of a Northern Ireland Renewables Obligation in April 2005 with a target to supply 12 per cent. of energy produced from renewable resources by 2012.
	Currently 28 installations in Northern Ireland are participating in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme that effectively places a limit on the amount of CO 2 they can freely emit. The scheme is expected to exert a significant downward pressure on emissions for the foreseeable future.
	In the domestic housing sector, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive invests around £40 million per annum on heating, double glazing and insulation works to improve energy efficiency in Northern Ireland's housing stock.
	The Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) is bringing forward amendments to Northern Ireland's building regulations on minimum standards for the conservation of fuel and power and these should be in place from June 2006. DFP also invests in improving the energy performance of buildings in the public sector.
	The Carbon Trust helps businesses and public sector organisations to reduce energy consumption through a range of programmes which include energy surveys, design advice, interest free loans, enhanced capital allowances and clean technology venture capital. The Trust is also promoting a Low Carbon Design Initiative for new build projects.
	In October the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued a public consultation document on recommendations for developing the renewable energy potential of the agri-food and forestry sectors.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced plans in the draft budget to set up an Energy and Environment Fund for research and development into renewables and to incentivise the market through appropriate grant aid assistance.
	Further details of these measures will be available in the forthcoming UK Climate Change Programme due to be published shortly.

Emissions

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the change in greenhouse gas emissions has been in each year since 1997 in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: Information on total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for Northern Ireland is given in the following table. These figures have been taken from the Greenhouse Gas Inventories for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland 1990–2003 report. No figures are available for 1997 and the latest year is 2003.
	
		
			  Total emission of GHGs (Mt CO 2  equivalent) CO 2  emissions (Mt) 
		
		
			 1990 22.5 16.6 
			 1995 24.3 18.2 
			 1998 23.9 17.3 
			 1999 24.5 17.9 
			 2000 23.6 17.4 
			 2001 24.1 17.9 
			 2002 22.2 16.4 
			 2003 21.8 16.1 
		
	
	In 2003, total GHG emissions in Northern Ireland have fallen by 3.5 per cent. below 1990, the Kyoto baseline year. Further information on the emission trends can be found in the report, which can be accessed at: http://www.naei.org.uk/report_link.php?report_id=360

Cataract Operations

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cataract operations were carried out by the NHS in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years; and what the current waiting time is for a cataract operation in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: Information on the number of cataract operations carried out in acute hospitals in Northern Ireland in each year from 2000–01 to 2004–05 (the latest year for which data are available) is shown in the table as follows.
	
		
			  Number of cataract operations 
		
		
			 2004–05 8,381 
			 2003–04 8,501 
			 2002–03 7,666 
			 2001–02 7,187 
			 2000–01 7,178 
		
	
	Source:
	Hospital In-patient System
	Information on patients waiting is collected by time-band. The number of people waiting for a cataract operation in Northern Ireland, at 30 June 2005, is shown in the table as follows:
	
		
			 Months waiting Position at 30 June 2005 
		
		
			 0–2 1,498 
			 3–5 956 
			 6–8 481 
			 9–11 124 
			 12–14 117 
			 15–17 36 
			 18–20 5 
			 21–23 0 
			 24+ 5 
			 Total waiting 3,222 
		
	
	Source:
	PFA 211 Departmental Information Return

Child Support Agency

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to reform the Child Support Agency in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The Northern Ireland Child Support Agency is awaiting the final details of the Great Britain strategic review, which is being led by Stephen Geraghty, chief executive of the Child Support Agency in Great Britain. When this information is available an improvement plan for the Northern Ireland Agency will be developed.

Children's Fund

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the funding for the Children's Fund set out in the budget for Northern Ireland is new money; and when the executive programme funds will be reinstated.

Angela Smith: Yes. The allocations for the Children and Young People's priority funding package represent additional resources, as opposed to the reallocation of money previously allocated to other public services within Northern Ireland.
	There are no plans to reinstate the Executive Programme Funds (EPFs). However, the three priority funding packages announced in the Draft Priorities and Budget 2006–08 will build on the positive aspects of the EPFs, in that they are focused on priority areas and will encourage a cross-cutting approach to the underlying issues.

Correspondence

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the letter of 17 October ref: (COR403/2005) to the hon. Lady for North Down, on Kingsland School, when he will write to the hon. Lady with the update indicated in his letter.

Angela Smith: Due to the complex nature of this case it has been necessary for the Department to seek legal advice. A response will be issued to the hon. Lady when the Department has considered the legal advice to be provided.

Correspondence

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will reply to the letter of 26 September 2005 from the hon. Lady for North Down on mattress provision for myalgic encephalomyelitis in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: The response will be issued shortly.

Citizens Advice Bureaux

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial aid has been granted by each council in Northern Ireland to citizens' advice bureaux in each year since 2001.

David Hanson: The primary source of funding for local voluntary advice services, including Citizens Advice Bureaux, is the Community Support Programme. This is a joint initiative involving the Department for Social Development (DSD) and District Councils. The following table outlines each Council's contribution to local advice services in 2004–05, this includes both Citizens Advice Bureaux and other independent advice providers. The DSD allocation is also included for information.
	Details of Council allocations to advice services from 2001–02 to 2003–04 is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	
		£
		
			 Community support programme—funding to advice services in 2004–05 
			  Total Council DSD 
		
		
			 Antrim borough council 48,991 42,991 6,000 
			 Ards borough council 69,000 43,000 26,000 
			 Armagh city and district council 46,500 26,500 20,000 
			 Ballymena borough council 43,000 30,791 12,209 
			 Ballymoney borough council 16,000 11,927 4,073 
			 Banbridge district council 69,500 39,500 30,000 
			 Belfast city council 312,314 203,004 109,310 
			 Carrickfergus borough council 42,720 42,720 0 
			 Castlereagh borough council 31,500 22,050 9,450 
			 Coleraine borough council 63,652 52,154 11,498 
			 Cookstown district council 50,000 15,000 35,000 
			 Craigavon borough council 97,850 86,520 11,330 
			 Derry city council 175,000 175,000 0 
			 Down district council 145,399 120,148 25,251 
			 Dungannon district council 49,183 33,266 15,917 
			 Fermanagh district council 66,000 44,000 22,000 
			 Larne borough council 20,357 11,702 8,655 
			 Limavady borough council 26,500 18,500 8,000 
			 Lisburn City council 50,000 10,000 40,000 
			 Magherafelt district council 49,000 25,000 24,000 
			 Moyle district council 11,500 8,113 3,387 
			 Newry and Mourne district council 95,000 65,000 30,000 
			 Newtownabbey borough council 168,952 150,257 18,695 
			 North Down borough council 106,582 80,477 26,105 
			 Omagh district council 46,600 46,600 0 
			 Strabane district council 48,200 22,450 25,750 
			 Total 1,949,300 1,426,670 522,630

Citizens Advice Bureaux

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance has been given to citizens' advice bureaux in Northern Ireland by Government departments in each year since 2001.

David Hanson: The primary source of funding for local voluntary advice services, including Citizens Advice Bureaux, is the Community Support Programme. This is a joint initiative involving the Department for Social Development (DSD) and District Councils. Other Government Departments provide specific funding to organisations to deliver advice services on issues which fall within their policy responsibility. The table outlines Government funding to Citizens Advice Bureaux in the financial years from 2001–02 to 2004–05.
	DSD has been leading on the development of a strategy for supporting delivery of voluntary advice services and this will be launched for consultation in December 2005.
	
		
			 Name of Department 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 Total 
		
		
			 Department for Social Development (DSD) (3) 984,199 993,551 1,195,329 1,190,206 4,363,285 
			 Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) — — — 69,000 69,000 
			 Total 984,199 993,551 1,195,329 1,259,206 4,432,285 
		
	
	(3) This includes the Department's contribution to the Community Support Programme, delivered through District Councils. Funding is provided to both Citizens Advice Bureaux and other independent providers. The DSD allocation to advice services from 2001–02 to 2003–04 is an estimation based on the recommended percentage output for advice services in this period.(4)
	(5) Review of the Districts' Community Services Programme (DSD February 2000).

Civil Service

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of starting salaries of civil servants in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: Starting salaries for new recruits in the Northern Ireland Civil Service are relative to what is necessary to recruit, retain and motivate staff. A new member of staff is usually recruited at the minimum of the pay scale unless there are business reasons to justify a higher starting salary (e.g. because of market forces or the applicant having relevant additional qualifications and/or experience).
	Starting pay for new recruits in the National Assembly for Wales is normally at the pay scale minimum unless the skills, knowledge and experience essential for the post justify a higher starting salary.

Climate Change

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government are taking in Northern Ireland to tackle climate change.

Angela Smith: I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I have given to his question on actions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions (PQ 05/2441 refers). In addition to these measures, work is under way to ensure that Northern Ireland prepares for the impacts of climate change.
	The Department of the Environment (DOE) has recently commissioned the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) to provide an updated report on the implications of climate change for Northern Ireland, incorporating a risk assessment approach and recommended adaptation strategies for key impacts. This study is due to be completed by the end of 2006.
	DOE's Environment and Heritage Service has issued guidance to public bodies on climate change impacts in Northern Ireland, with information on how it might impact across sectors and on the delivery of key public services.
	The Department is also working in partnership with key stakeholders on the development of a Sustainable Development Strategy for Northern Ireland which is due to be published along with the first of a series of implementation plans in 2006. Climate Change and Energy has been identified as one of the six priority areas for action within the emerging strategy.

Community Restorative Justice

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether (a) direct and (b) indirect public funding has been allocated to Community Restorative Justice schemes in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: No funding has been given to community-based restorative justice schemes by the Northern Ireland Office. We are undertaking a thorough search of all 11 Northern Ireland Departments and associated public bodies to ascertain if money has been given for non-criminal justice related work which will take some time. I will write to the hon. Gentleman when the information is available and place a copy in the Library.

Community Restorative Justice

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he treats the Northern Ireland Police Board as a stakeholder in respect of the development of Community Restorative Justice schemes in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland does regard the Northern Ireland Policing Board to be a key stakeholder in respect of the development of community-based restorative justice schemes in Northern Ireland.

Community Restorative Justice

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from the Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre about the work of community restorative justice organisations in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: No direct representations have been received from the Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre about the work of community-based restorative justice organisations in Northern Ireland.

Community Restorative Justice

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of community restorative justice projects in Northern Ireland in dealing with cases of (a) alleged rape and (b) alleged domestic violence.

David Hanson: The Government have recognised that community-based restorative justice programmes can have a part to play in helping to secure a normal society and is willing, in principle, to support their involvement with low level criminal cases. We would not consider any sexual or domestic violence offences to be low level, and the guidelines currently being formulated do not therefore envisage that any such offence will be referred to community-based schemes.

Community Restorative Justice

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the applications for public funding that have been submitted by community restorative justice organisations in Northern Ireland giving in each case (a) the name of the organisation, (b) the date of application, (c) the sum of money applied for and (d) the expected time scale for a decision; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: I will write to the hon. Gentleman and place a copy in the Library.

Councils

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) Protestants and (b) Roman Catholics were employed in each council in Northern Ireland in each of the past four years.

Angela Smith: An analysis of the employees of each district council, reflecting community background, is set out in the following table. Statistics for 2001, 2002 and 2003 have been taken from the Equality Commission's 2003 Monitoring Report. The 2004 figures have not yet been published.
	
		
			  2001 2002 
			  P(6) RC(7) ND(8) Total P(6) RC(7) ND(8) Total 
		
		
			 Antrim 177 70 7 254 191 78 9 278 
			 Ards 318 55 19 392 330 53 24 407 
			 Armagh 162 114 1 277 135 118 — 253 
			 Ballymena 211 49 14 274 215 52 14 281 
			 Ballymoney 95 19 11 125 96 16 21 133 
			 Banbridge 141 40 3 184 143 41 4 188 
			 Belfast 1,432 853 124 2,409 1,387 833 107 2,327 
			 Carrickfergus 158 11 20 189 162 14 21 197 
			 Castlereagh 398 29 58 485 413 31 63 507 
			 Coleraine 206 59 20 285 212 62 25 299 
			 Cookstown 93 91 3 187 101 90 3 194 
			 Craigavon 246 159 12 417 262 171 13 446 
			 Derry 119 395 12 526 135 426 10 571 
			 Down 74 189 24 287 74 211 21 306 
			 Dungannon 131 122 14 267 148 132 16 296 
			 Fermanagh 101 141 8 250 104 139 6 249 
			 Larne 112 39 5 156 113 39 7 159 
			 Limavady 78 51 7 136 80 54 8 142 
			 Lisburn 341 78 21 440 354 83 24 461 
			 Magherafelt 83 91 — 174 91 106 — 197 
			 Moyle 34 64 12 110 32 70 12 114 
			 Newry 51 336 5 392 50 342 5 397 
			 Newtownabbey 342 44 19 405 402 55 9 466 
			 North Down 356 36 39 431 371 43 39 453 
			 Omagh 125 258 29 412 126 256 37 419 
			 Strabane 56 100 2 158 58 99 2 159 
			 Total 5,640 3,493 489 9,622 5,785 3,614 500 9,899 
		
	
	
		
			  2003 
			  P(6) RC(7) ND(8) Total 
		
		
			 Antrim 190 82 8 280 
			 Ards 339 63 26 428 
			 Armagh 139 115 — 254 
			 Ballymena 231 52 15 298 
			 Ballymoney 90 19 12 121 
			 Banbridge 155 39 4 198 
			 Belfast 1,455 868 106 2,429 
			 Carrickfergus 172 13 21 206 
			 Castlereagh 464 43 51 558 
			 Coleraine 227 74 20 321 
			 Cookstown 112 92 3 207 
			 Craigavon 258 165 11 434 
			 Derry 137 443 12 592 
			 Down 76 219 19 314 
			 Dungannon 150 138 18 306 
			 Fermanagh 101 139 4 244 
			 Larne 110 39 5 154 
			 Limavady 80 53 7 140 
			 Lisburn 352 85 19 456 
			 Magherafelt 99 96 — 195 
			 Moyle 33 75 11 119 
			 Newry 56 343 6 405 
			 Newtownabbey 434 57 8 499 
			 North Down 404 48 45 497 
			 Omagh 136 270 34 440 
			 Strabane 59 107 3 169 
			 Total 6,059 3,737 468 10,264 
		
	
	(6) Protestant
	(7) Roman Catholic
	(8) Non-denominational

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many compensation claims have been made to his Department under the Northern Ireland Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2002; how many payments have been made in each year of the operation of the scheme; and what the total value of claims was in each year.

David Hanson: Between 1 May 2002 and 31 October 2005 the Compensation Agency had received a total of 26,308 claims, under the Northern Ireland Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2002. To this date 1603 claims have been withdrawn, 18,153 claims have been assessed and payment has been made in 4,379 claims. The total value of payments is £20,216,884.00 and the following annual breakdown applies:
	
		
			  Total number of  claims receiving payment Total value (£) 
		
		
			 2002–03 3 75,000.00 
			 2003–04 568 3,277,784.00 
			 2004–05 1,881 8,281,291.00 
			 2005–06 (to 31 October 2005) 1,927 8,582,809.00

Departmental Refurbishment

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the companies to which his Department contracted out their construction and refurbishment work in each of the last three years; and what process his Department used to select each contractor.

Angela Smith: The award of contracts for all construction and refurbishment work by Northern Ireland Departments and their agencies is compliant with public procurement policy and EU Procurement Directives.
	The names of the companies and the procedure used in each contract, with a de minimis value of £25,000, are set out as follows.
	
		
			 Contractor Procurement method 
			 April 2002 to March 2003 
		
		
			 Adair Bros Competitive tender 
			 Annvale Construction Competitive tender 
			 Bi Electrical Services Competitive tender 
			 Bradley Construction Competitive tender 
			 Greenline NI Ltd. OGC framework 
			 Henry Bros. Magherafelt Ltd. x 2 Competitive tender 
			 Heron Brothers Competitive tender 
			 Irwin Metalcraft Single tender action 
			 J. and G. Engineering Competitive tender 
			 J. D. McGeown Ltd. Competitive tender 
			 J. H. Turkington and Sons Competitive tender 
			 Kone (NI) Ltd. Competitive tender 
			 Litton Group Competitive tender 
			 Lorne Electric Competitive tender 
			 Maurice Stevenson Ltd. Competitive tender 
			 O'Hare and McGovern x 3 Competitive tender 
			 Otis Ltd. Competitive tender 
			 Rotary Services Competitive tender 
			 Sharpe Mechanical Services x 2 Competitive tender 
			 T. and A. Kernoghan Competitive tender 
			 The McAvoy Grp. Competitive tender 
			 OGC Framework Competitive tender 
			 The Saville Group Ltd. Competitive tender 
			 Vaughan Engineering Competitive tender 
			 Vis Security Solutions Competitive tender 
			 WC Glazing Contractors Competitive tender 
			 William Dowling Competitive tender 
			   
			 April 2003—March 2004 
			 Bradley Construction Single action tender 
			 David Patton and Sons NI Competitive tender 
			 Gilbert-Ash NI Ltd. x 3 Competitive tender 
			 H. and J. Martin Ltd. x 3 Competitive tender 
			 Henry Bros. M'felt Ltd. Competitive tender 
			 Litton Group Competitive tender 
			 Mascott Construction Competitive tender 
			 McLaughlin and Harvey x 2 Competitive tender 
			 O'Hare and McGovern Competitive tender 
			 Portview Construction and McLaughlin and Harvey Competitive tender 
			 Radiocontact Ltd. Competitive tender 
			 Sharpe Mechanical Services Competitive tender 
			 The McAvoy Group Single action tender 
			 Vaughan Engineering x 3 Competitive tender 
			 Vis Security Solutions x 2 Competitive tender 
			   
			 April 2004—October 2005 
			 Cleary Contracting Competitive tender 
			 Fin Engineering Single tender action 
			 H. and J. Martin Ltd. x 4 Competitive tender 
			 Henry Bros. Competitive tender 
			 Radiocontact Competitive tender 
			 Sharpe Mechanical Services Single tender action 
			 Tectrol Ltd. Single tender action 
			 Vale Gardenhouses Ltd. Competitive tender

Diet

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people there are in Northern Ireland who have been identified as suffering from malnourishment.

Shaun Woodward: Information is not available on the number of people in Northern Ireland who have been identified as suffering from malnourishment. However, information is available on the number of admissions to hospital where malnourishment has been diagnosed.
	The following table provides figures on the number of admissions to hospital with a primary or secondary diagnosis of malnourishment for each of the last five years for which figures are available. It should be noted that any individual could have been admitted to hospital more than once over the course of a year or over a number of years and would therefore be counted more than once in the table.
	
		
			  Number of admissions(9) to hospital with malnourishment 
		
		
			 2004–05 427 
			 2003–04 411 
			 2002–03 446 
			 2001–02 473 
			 2000–01 403 
		
	
	(9) Discharges and deaths are used as an approximation for admissions.

Disability Living Allowance

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been claiming disability living allowance in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years.

David Hanson: The following table shows the number of people in Northern Ireland who have been claiming disability living allowance in each of the past five years.
	
		
			  Number of people 
		
		
			 2001 140,479 
			 2002 146,548 
			 2003 151,870 
			 2004 161,839 
			 2005 167,156

Down Lisburn Health Trust

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the community care funding allocated to Down Lisburn Health Trust.

Shaun Woodward: The Department allocates resources to Health and Social Services Boards. It is then the responsibility of each board to determine how it will allocate these resources to local areas and to specific programmes. The Department has not assessed the situation for community care separately, but based on the latest information on planned expenditure for the population of the Down Lisburn locality as a proportion of Northern Ireland expenditure, the level of funding, having adjusted for differences in need, is around the NI average.

Economic Development Strategy

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to introduce an economic development strategy for Northern Ireland; and what assessment he has made of regional disparities in (a) investment, (b) job creation and (c) wealth in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: Delivering the Economic Vision will require concerted action from both the public and private sectors on our stated economic priorities—the four productivity drivers of innovation, skills, enterprise and infrastructure. For its part Government will produce a Regional Economic Strategy that will set out the policy framework for delivering the Economic Vision. The strategy will also form our response to Government policy to progress against targets on regionally balanced economic growth across the UK.
	The Northern Ireland strategy is currently being drafted by DFP in collaboration with the other Government departments. The first draft will shortly be circulated to Ministers for consideration and will then issue for wider discussion.
	Regional economic disparities within the UK, and Northern Ireland, are being analysed and illustrated within the evolving strategy. Particular attention is being paid to those disparities that impact on the four productivity drivers and the employment rate. With this in mind the current activities of government are also being analysed to gauge the extent to which they effectively contribute to promoting the four productivity drivers.

Economic Inactivity

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland have been economically inactive in each year since 2000.

Angela Smith: The following table shows the number of people in NI classified as economically inactive in each July-September period since 2000. The table gives the number of economically inactive for both the population aged 16 and over and the population of working age.
	
		Economically inactive people in NI (2000–05)
		
			 Thousand 
			  Period  16 plus population Working age population (16–59/64)(10) 
		
		
			 July-September 2000 522 294 
			 July-September 2001 504 273 
			 July-September 2002 510 283 
			 July-September 2003 517 281 
			 July-September 2004 542 300 
			 July-September 2005 517 277 
		
	
	(10) Working age is taken as ages 16 to 59 for females and 16 to 64 for males.
	Source:
	NI Labour Force Survey.

Education and Library Boards

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were employed in each of the Education and Library Boards in each of the last three years.

Angela Smith: The information provided in the table below is in respect of staff employed in each of the five Education and Library Boards for the last three years. The figures are taken from the Education and Library Boards Annual Statistical Returns to the Department and relate to non-teaching school based and non-school based staff in each board. Figures are in respect of permanent and temporary staff in post at 30 September for each year.
	
		
			  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
			  Full-time Part-time Full-time Part-time Full-time Part-time 
		
		
			 BELB 1,413 2,322 1,534 3,664 (11)2,434 (FTE) Included in FTE figure 
			 NEELB 1,602 5,161 1,643 4,699 1,461 4,981 
			 SEELB 1,503 4,237 1,558 4,603 1,539 5,185 
			 SELB 1,266 6,339 1,245 6,377 1,378 6,948 
			 WELB 1,796 5,273 1,753 4,938 1,949 5,167 
		
	
	(11) BELB moved to a new HR/payroll system on a phased basis from April 2004 and the board is unable to provide a corresponding staff in post figure for 2004–05. The figure the board has provided is an overall full-time-equivalent (FTE) figure, taken over the period April 2004 to March 2005.

Emergency Planning Budget

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the budget is for 2006–07 for emergency planning in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: As the estimated funding levels for emergency planning services by Government Departments and public bodies are contained within a wide range of budgets it is not possible to provide an aggregated figure for the overall position. The Northern Ireland civil contingencies framework, which is to be published shortly, requires, among other things, that
	all organisations shall develop and maintain civil contingencies plans and other preparations in relation to their functions so that they can deliver those functions for the purpose of preventing an emergency, reducing, controlling or mitigating its effects or taking any other action necessary in relation to it".
	The framework also requires that organisations
	shall ensure that appropriate funding and other resources are made available",
	but it is the responsibility of individual departments to determine what is appropriate funding in the light of risk assessments and having regard to other priorities.

Employment Tribunals

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment his Department has made of the merits of allowing the use of video-conferencing at employment tribunal hearings in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The Department is currently assessing the merits of using video conferencing at tribunal hearings and discussions have commenced with stakeholders on this issue.

Environmental Protection Agency

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to establish an independent Environmental Protection Agency for Northern Ireland; and when the Environment and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order is planned to be implemented.

Angela Smith: The Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Lord Rooker, announced an independent Review of Environmental Governance in Northern Ireland in July 2005. The review will consider, among other things, the arrangements for the organisation and supervision of the environmental governance system. Lord Rooker hopes to be in a position to launch the review soon.
	Most of the provisions of the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 relating to waste have been in force for some time. However Part III, which provides for a contaminated land regime in Northern Ireland, has not yet been implemented. The Department is currently reassessing the likely resource requirements and the options for implementing Part III.

Farmers

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average age of registered farmers in Northern Ireland was (a) in 2000 and (b) on the latest date for which figures are available.

Angela Smith: Information on the age profile of the farm work force is collected as part of the EU Farm Structures Survey. For the purposes of this survey, farmers are considered to be those individuals who are legally and financially responsible for the farm and who are also responsible for the day-to-day management of the farm business. The most recent years for which information is available are 2000 and 2003.
	In 2000 the average (median) age of farmers in Northern Ireland was 54.
	In 2003 the average (median) age of farmers in Northern Ireland was 55.

Fire Service

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to ensure the safety of fire officers attending fires within the Northern Ireland community.

Shaun Woodward: I am introducing, in the new Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order, which will be laid at Westminster early in the new year, a new statutory offence covering assault or obstruction of firefighters and anyone helping them in the execution of their duties. This explicit statutory protection highlights the seriousness of this offence, which endangers both the lives of firefighters and those they are trying to help. It is intended that the new offence will have a deterrent effect, reducing the number of attacks on firefighters and their equipment.
	The penalties are in line with the legislation relating to police officers, and include provision for conviction on indictment, whereby someone found guilty of the offence could face up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. The penalty, on summary conviction, will be imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine up to the statutory maximum of £5,000.
	Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service continues to place an increased focus on community education and communication in order to reduce deaths and injuries from fire and attacks on personnel.

Fisheries Conservancy Board

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the financial position of the Fisheries Conservancy Board in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: Following the reduction in agency work income for the Fisheries Conservancy Board, the board are currently exploring how they can operate within the new budgetary constraints.

Free Public Transport

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce free travel on public transport for those aged 60 years and over in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: I have no plans at present to introduce free travel on public transport for Northern Ireland residents aged 60 to 64. However the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme will be reviewed shortly. This review will consider the feasibility of extending the scheme to additional groups, including those aged 60 years and over.

Fuel Poverty

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he plans to take to tackle fuel poverty in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Dodds) on 14 June 2005, Official Report, column 313.

Further Education

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils aged 16 to 18 years are being educated in further education colleges in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The following table details the number of pupils (aged 16–18) who are being educated in a further education college in NI for the academic year 2004–05.
	
		Students(12) in further education in Northern Ireland aged between 16 and 18 years in 2004–05
		
			 Age(13) Academic Year 2004–05 
		
		
			 16 9,764 
			 17 9,306 
			 18 7,139 
			 Total 16 to 18 year olds 26,209 
		
	
	(12) Data relate to a snapshot of students on 1 November of the relevant academic year.
	(13) Age is at 1 July at the beginning of the relevant academic year.
	Source:
	FESR snapshot

Grant Thornton

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why Deloitte MICS were replaced as financial advisers on the Civil Service electronic human resources contract by Grant Thornton.

Angela Smith: Financial advice was provided by Deloitte MCS Ltd. from March 2004 to May 2005 when their contract expired. Under the Public Services Contracts Regulations 1993 a new procurement competition for Financial Advisers was required. One compliant tender, from Grant Thornton UK LLP, was received in response to the procurement competition. This was considered to meet the Department's requirements and consequently they were appointed to provide financial advice to the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Guest Speakers

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidelines are used by the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland, on the invitation of guests who are asked to make a speech at events organised by the Department to mark sporting achievements

David Hanson: It is normal practice that the governing body for the sport involved is invited in advance to nominate speakers on its behalf.

Health Staff

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to provide a safe working environment for (a) hospital nurses and doctors and (b) ambulance staff in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: The Department is currently developing a Controls Assurance Standard for Security Management for the HPSS, which seeks to ensure there is a secure environment that protects all service users, staff and visitors.
	(a) This reinforces a range of existing measures already designed to reduce the potential risk of violence against all HPSS staff which as a result of a review, recommended:
	To regularly review the assessment of risk associated with different facilities/locations.
	Regularly train staff and ensure that training is being tailored for the different staff disciplines.
	Restrict the number of entrances to A&E departments, particularly late at night.
	Limit the number of persons, not themselves requiring treatment, entry to an A&E department.
	HPSS employers welcomed the recommendations. Some Trusts have also installed emergency panic buttons in A&E units, toughened transparent screens at interview hatches, and CCTV.
	(b) In addition The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) is committed to improving health and safety protection for its staff and has implemented a range of measures including:
	reinforced windscreens and side windows in all ambulances;
	security cameras in new vehicles;
	a trial of stab-proof/anti-ballistic vests;
	provision of mobile phones directly linked to Ambulance Control and short-range radios to improve communications at incident scenes;
	provision of training on how to handle difficult situations;
	establish a violence-to-staff working group; and
	access to an officer-on-call system.
	NIAS is currently reviewing its health and safety policy to improve its performance in such areas as accountability, consultation, hazard identification, and incident reporting and risk management.
	All HPSS organisations are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for staff.

Higher Education

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage change there has been in the pay of those involved in teaching in higher education in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years.

Angela Smith: Pay in the higher education institutions is determined by negotiating mechanisms between the employers and the unions. Government are not involved in this process and do not hold the information sought.

Home Accidents

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what programmes have been developed by Government Departments in Northern Ireland to reduce injuries and deaths by raising public awareness of home accident prevention, with particular reference to the elderly.

Shaun Woodward: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety launched a five-year Home Accident Prevention Strategy and Action Plan for Northern Ireland in January 2005. The strategy aims to reduce the number of accidental deaths and injuries in the home and targets those most at risk including the socially disadvantaged, children and the elderly. A multi-agency implementation group is currently taking forward work on the 14 separate action points in the plan. One of the action points centres on the development of a public information campaign to raise awareness of home accident prevention with a target date of September 2006. The Department provided funding of £30,000 this financial year to the Health Promotion Agency to take forward preliminary work on development of a suitable information campaign. A home safety public awareness campaign is expected to be in place by the summer of next year.
	In addition the Department has allocated funding of £180,000 this year to the four health and social services boards to take forward work on local initiatives and programmes to reduce injuries and deaths by raising awareness and implementing home accident prevention interventions with particular focus on those most at risk.

Home Accidents

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action Government Departments in Northern Ireland have taken to reduce the rate of (a) serious injuries and (b) death from accidents among (i) children and (ii) the elderly.

Shaun Woodward: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety launched a five year Home Accident Prevention Strategy and Action Plan for Northern Ireland in January 2005 which aims to reduce the number of accidental deaths and injuries in the home and targets those most at risk including the socially disadvantaged, children and the elderly. The strategy gives particular emphasis to preventing falls (the most common type of accident to children and older people), fires and injuries to children especially on farms. A multi-agency implementation group is currently taking forward work on the 14 separate action points in the plan.

Home Accidents

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money his Department made available to (a) local councils, (b) Health and Social Services trusts, (c) the Housing Executive Northern Ireland and (d) the Fire Service of Northern Ireland for home accident prevention in (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05.

Shaun Woodward: No specific funding has been allocated to local councils, HSS Trusts or the Fire Service of Northern Ireland for home accident prevention. The Department of Social Development allocated £767,960 in 2003–04 and £1,124,860 in 2004–05 to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for home accident prevention initiatives. This funding was used for the provision of handrails, grabrails, and the installation of smoke alarms in homes. In addition, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety provided funding of £83,996 in 2003–04 and £97,918 in 2004–05 to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents towards home accident prevention work in Northern Ireland.

Hospital Staff (Attacks)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been both charged and sentenced in each of the last three years for attacks on hospital staff in (a) accident and emergency departments and (b) other areas of hospital sites in cases where all proceedings are complete.

Shaun Woodward: There were 5,449 violent incidents against staff employed in the HPSS between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2005. Seven people were prosecuted as a result of these incidents and four prosecution cases are pending. This is the earliest date that this information is available.

Hospital Staff (Attacks)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  if he will list serious personal attacks in the last three years on members of hospital staff at accident and emergency hospitals which led to a prison term for the assailant; if he will indicate the nature of the attack in each case; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the total costs have been in the last three years of repairs and replacement of equipment at each accident and emergency hospital in Northern Ireland due to attacks by members of the public;
	(3)  what the level of spending on security personnel has been at each accident and emergency department at hospitals in the Province in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is not readily available and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Invest Northern Ireland

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the operation of the Invest Northern Ireland venture scheme for small and medium enterprises, with particular reference to the level of income sought from private sector investors.

Angela Smith: In November 2004, EU state aid approval was granted for the then named 'Northern Ireland venture scheme for small and medium sized enterprises'. This clearance was in response to an identified need in the market for venture capital funds in the £250,000 to £1.5 million deal size range.
	Following an EU wide tender, Invest Northern Ireland has since participated in a £22.5 million deal size venture capital fund managed by Crescent Capital Ltd. Of this total, private investors have agreed to contribute £9 million and the European Investment Fund £6 million.

Inter-Trade Ireland Report

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the report commissioned by Inter-Trade Ireland on the regional development strategy for Northern Ireland and the national spatial strategy for the Republic of Ireland will be published.

Angela Smith: Inter-Trade Ireland plans to publish the report on the development of a potential framework for collaborative action between the Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland and the National Spatial Strategy for the Republic of Ireland in March 2006.

Investment Strategy

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to publish the Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will be published before the end of the year. The precise date has yet to be decided.

Locum Doctors

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his most recent estimate is of the number of locum doctors working in the NHS in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: There is no comprehensive list of locum hospital doctors employed within the NI HPSS held centrally within the Department. However the Central Services Agency maintains a voluntary register of locum general medical practitioners which is used o circulate professional information. As at November 2005, there were 151 active locum general medical practitioners recorded on this register.

Housing

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what change there has been in the number of unfit dwellings in the Province in each of the past five years.

David Hanson: The information is not available in the format requested. The level of unfitness for all housing tenures was 4.9 per cent. (31,600) in 2001 and 3.8 per cent. (25,600) in 2004.

Housing

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many private dwellings in Northern Ireland have been allocated heating and insulation grants in each of the last five years.

David Hanson: Heating and insulation grants are provided to private dwellings through the Warm Homes Scheme and the number of homes that have benefited from grants is as follows.
	
		
			 Year of scheme Number of homes in Northern Ireland 
		
		
			 July 2001 to 31 March 2002 3,146 
			 Year ending 31 March 2003 7,484 
			 Year ending 31 March 2004 7,144 
			 Year ending 31 March 2005 8,557 
			 Up to 14 November 2005 5,612 
		
	
	Private sector grants for heating and insulation are also available, but the figures requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Housing

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many dwellings have been built by housing associations in each constituency in Northern Ireland in each year since 2000.

David Hanson: The number of houses completed for the five year period 2000–01 to 2004–05 is as follows.
	
		House completions
		
			 Constituency 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 East Antrim 84 53 27 31 0 
			 North Antrim 70 26 41 12 36 
			 South Antrim 0 15 9 36 14 
			 Upper Bann 68 44 0 18 7 
			 East Belfast 53 203 190 67 14 
			 North Belfast 174 192 130 260 370 
			 South Belfast 142 14 49 27 147 
			 West Belfast 187 237 104 69 135 
			 North Down 4 63 46 10 33 
			 South Down 94 29 61 0 57 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone 42 62 70 30 2 
			 Foyle 135 230 352 103 63 
			 Lagan Valley 130 236 86 70 69 
			 East Londonderry 69 136 26 27 44 
			 Mid Ulster 0 7 10 6 6 
			 Newry and Armagh 104 28 38 39 36 
			 Strangford 8 85 4 11 11 
			 West Tyrone 100 74 50 38 29 
			 Total 1,464 1,734 1,293 854 1,073 
		
	
	The figures include new build and houses purchased from the open market either in good condition or from rehabilitation, prior to letting. All are additions to social housing stock.

Housing

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many families in Northern Ireland were waiting for housing executive dwellings in each of the last five years; and what the trend in numbers on the housing list has been over the last 10 years.

David Hanson: The information is not available in the format requested. The tables detail the total waiting list for applicants for social housing in Northern Ireland over the last 10 years.
	The following tables demonstrate that the demand for social sector accommodation continues to rise steadily.
	
		Total number of households on the waiting list for social housing 1995–2000 (all figures refer to the end of the financial year).
		
			  Total number of households Urgent housing need(14) 
		
		
			 1996 21,960 11,148 
			 1997 22,276 11,895 
			 1998 22,691 11,510 
			 1999 23,193 11,734 
			 2000 23,084 11,372 
		
	
	(14) Prior To November 2000 urgent need was defined as 'urgent housing need' i.e. priority 'A' group cases plus 'B' cases with 30 or more points.
	
		Total number of households on the waiting list for social housing 2001–05 (all figures refer to the end of the financial year).
		
			  Total number of households Housing stress(15) 
		
		
			 2001 21,635 10,187 
			 2002 25,903 12,449 
			 2003 26,248 13,042 
			 2004 27,515 14,152 
			 2005 29,608 15,527 
		
	
	(15) From November 2000 the definition changed from 'urgent housing need' to 'housing stress' i.e. households with 30 or more points.

Housing

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  how many senior citizens units have been built by housing associations in the Antrim borough council area in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many senior citizens units have been built by housing associations in the Newtownabbey borough council area in each of the last five years.

David Hanson: In the two areas mentioned the priority has been to try to stabilise the situation and balance supply and demand. Less popular accommodation in both areas has been demolished to remove blight. In Antrim the waiting list for small units of accommodation is being catered for through relets. In Newtownabbey there have recently been signs of growing stability to the extent that the development programme that is currently being prepared will make provision for an additional supply of small units over the next five years.
	Against this background no units specifically for senior citizens have been built in Antrim over the past five years. In Newtownabbey 31 units were built in 2000–01 and 12 in 2002–03.

Housing

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many single person dwellings have been built by housing associations in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

David Hanson: The number of houses completed, specifically for general needs and homeless singles occupation, are as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2000–01 51 
			 2001–02 31 
			 2002–03 47 
			 2003–04 43 
			 2004–05 45 
		
	
	
		Locations
		
			  Number of units 
		
		
			 Falls Road, Belfast 22 
			 19–21 Cliftonville Road, Belfast 20 
			 College Square North, Belfast 14 
			 Antrim Road, Belfast 12 
			 Grace Avenue, Belfast 6 
			 573 Donegall Road, Belfast 4 
			 Belgravia Avenue, Belfast 3 
			 47–49 Carrick Hill, Belfast 3 
			 Beersbridge Road, Belfast 1 
			 Crawford Square, Londonderry 43 
			 Foyle Road, Londonderry 21 
			 Flush Park, Lisburn 32 
			 Church Street, Strabane 16 
			 Main Street, Strabane 11 
			 Avon House, Portadown 9

Housing

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many housing executive grants have been made in each constituency in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months.

David Hanson: The information is not available in the format requested. However, payments made in each district council area between 1 November 2004 and 31 October 2005 are as follows:
	
		
			 District council Completed grants 
		
		
			 Antrim 43 
			 Ards 105 
			 Armagh 188 
			 Ballymena 80 
			 Ballymoney 43 
			 Banbridge 104 
			 Belfast 1,502 
			 Carrickfergus 83 
			 Castlereagh 116 
			 Coleraine 90 
			 Cookstown 185 
			 Craigavon 285 
			 Derry 225 
			 Down 168 
			 Dungannon 362 
			 Fermanagh 506 
			 Larne 98 
			 Limavady 72 
			 Lisburn 178 
			 Magherafelt 125 
			 Moyle 23 
			 Newry and Mourne 483 
			 Newtownabbey 154 
			 North Down 119 
			 Omagh 264 
			 Strabane 141 
			 Total 5,742

Housing

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many houses are planned to be built to meet the needs of social housing over the next 12 months in each Northern Ireland constituency.

David Hanson: Across Northern Ireland the target is to start 1,500 new social houses in 2005–06.
	The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is responsible for assessing housing need and for prioritising the development programme. The following table shows a current gross programme of 1,836 houses. This will be netted down to 1,500 as the year progresses and the remainder will be deferred until the following financial year.
	
		
			 Constituency Number of houses 
		
		
			 East Antrim 30 
			 North Antrim 11 
			 South Antrim 60 
			 Upper Bann 56 
			 East Belfast 173 
			 North Belfast 404 
			 South Belfast 216 
			 West Belfast 370 
			 North Down 40 
			 South Down 28 
			 Fermanagh and South Tyrone 31 
			 Foyle 113 
			 Lagan Valley 130 
			 East Londonderry 37 
			 Mid Ulster 5 
			 Newry and Armagh 31 
			 Strangford 94 
			 West Tyrone 7 
			 Total 1,836

Influenza

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance his Department has given to general practitioners in Northern Ireland in drawing up contingency plans to deal with a potential influenza pandemic; and what further assistance he plans to give.

Shaun Woodward: In March 2005 the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, posted on its website the Northern Ireland Pandemic Influenza Contingency Plan. On 19 October a revised, updated version of the plan replaced the original one.
	Among other things, the plan calls on Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts to develop their own plans at local levels. The plan describes in detail the responsibilities of boards/trusts and the decisions which they will be required to make. By their nature these involve close collaboration with GPs in planning a co-ordinated response to an outbreak.
	On 21 October the Department wrote to GPs and a wide range of other health professionals with advice on the distinction between avian flu and pandemic, enclosing with the letter a set of commonly asked questions and answers. On 7 November a further letter was issued enclosing a key facts summary on pandemic flu and a supply of leaflets to be passed on to patients seeking information about pandemic flu. Both letters also referred recipients to the Department's website to view the updated plan, which will of course continue to be revised in the light of developments.
	The Department will continue to communicate directly with GPs and other health professionals about pandemic flu as and when it is deemed appropriate to do so.

Influenza

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what restrictions there are on how early in the year pharmacies in Northern Ireland can order influenza vaccinations.

Shaun Woodward: The Department does not place any restrictions on pharmacies in relation to the time in the year when they may order vaccine for seasonal influenza. Pharmacists are free to order flu vaccine as soon as it is marketed by the manufacturers for the anticipated seasonal virus profile as determined by the World Health Organisation.

Local Government Finance

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  by what means his Department scrutinises expenditure by the Local Government Audit Office;
	(2)  what the running costs of the Local Government Audit Office in Northern Ireland have been in each of the last three years; and how many staff are employed in the office, broken down by grade.

Angela Smith: The Local Government Audit function is part of the Northern Ireland Audit Office. Questions relating to its resources are matters for the Comptroller and Auditor-General who will write to the hon. Lady

Local Government Finance

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the revenue support grant was in each council within Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

Angela Smith: The revenue support grant (or resources element of General Grant) allocated to district councils, in each of the last five years, is set out in the following table.
	
		General grant—resources element (new statutory formula introduced 1 April 2003)
		
			  2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 
		
		
			 Antrim 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Ards 1,166,169 1,503,641 1,026,207 1,051,866 1,255,948 
			 Armagh 1,939,216 2,174,051 1,772,494 1,816,813 1,783,504 
			 Ballymena 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Ballymoney 1,041,025 1,134,277 1,027,602 1,053,295 1,052,084 
			 Banbridge 1,111,205 1,285,246 937,049 960,479 953,758 
			 Belfast 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Carrickfergus 439,796 431,090 37,731 38,675 264,650 
			 Castlereagh 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Coleraine 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Cookstown 720,363 746,680 948,270 971,980 972,907 
			 Craigavon 0 132,945 0 0 0 
			 Derry 444,782 969,890 1,208,865 1,239,091 1,276,683 
			 Down 1,927,449 2,090,630 1,682,751 1,724,826 1,683,189 
			 Dungannon and South Tyrone 488,830 535,916 1,055,047 1,081,427 930,916 
			 Fermanagh 727,552 830,231 1,452,352 1,488,666 1,437,935 
			 Larne 0 0 141,133 144,662 24,202 
			 Limavady 1,168,411 1,125,562 1,274,940 1,306,818 1,308,476 
			 Lisburn 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Magherafelt 1,152,006 1,244,922 1,422,268 1,457,831 1,466,528 
			 Moyle 681,581 633,175 601,358 616,394 585,645 
			 Newry and Mourne 3,109,549 3,080,160 1,910,908 1,958,688 2,043,239 
			 Newtownabbey 0 0 0 0 0 
			 North Down 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Omagh 1,016,053 1,144,138 1,413,193 1,448,528 1,407,084 
			 Strabane 1,846,723 1,938,926 2,084,832 2,135,961 2,050,252 
			 Total 18,980,710 21,001,480 19,997,000 20,497,000 20,497,000

Local Government Finance

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the effect of the forthcoming Reform of Public Administration on capital expenditure projects by local councils in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced his decisions on the Review of Public Administration on the 22 November 2005. In matters concerning capital expenditure projects, councils would be expected to exercise prudence and not enter into commitments that would impose an unnecessary burden on ratepayers, now or in the future.

Looked-after Children

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children have left care in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years; and how many of these had no formal qualifications.

Shaun Woodward: Information regarding the numbers of children who ceased to be looked after and the educational attainment of these children is only available relating to children aged 16 or over. The latest available information is detailed in the following table.
	
		Children aged 16 or more who ceased to be looked after and the numbers that ceased to be looked after with no formal qualifications (year ending 31 March)
		
			  Children who ceased to be looked after Children who ceased to be looked after with no formal qualifications 
		
		
			 2001–02 199 103 
			 2002–03 206 95 
			 2001–04 405 198

Medical Schools/Junior Doctors

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) medical school places and (b) junior doctor posts there have been in Northern Ireland in each year since 1990.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is set out in the following tables:
	
		(a) Number of medical school places
		
			  Medical student intake 
		
		
			 2005–06 250 
			 2004–05 188 
			 2003–04 169 
			 2002–03 170 
			 2001–02 169 
			 2000–01 161 
			 1999–2000 160 
			 1998–99 154 
			 1997–98 169 
			 1996–97 152 
			 1995–96 148 
			 1994–95 143 
			 1993–94 140 
			 1992–93 141 
			 1991–92 143 
			 1990–91 134 
		
	
	Note:
	Excludes overseas students (approximately 12 per annum).
	
		(b) Number of junior doctor posts (information only available from 1999)
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 August 2005  
			 Specialist Registrars (SpRs) 546 
			 Senior House Officers (SHOs) 806 
			 Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) 230 
			 Total 1,583 
			   
			 August 2004  
			 Specialist Registrars (SpRs) 529 
			 Senior House Officers (SHOs) 789 
			 Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) 224 
			 Total 1,542 
			   
			 August 2003  
			 Specialist Registrars (SpRs) 471 
			 Senior House Officers (SHOs) 772 
			 Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) 219 
			 Total 1,462 
			   
			 August 2002  
			 Specialist Registrars (SpRs) 462 
			 Senior House Officers (SHOs) 693 
			 Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) 217 
			 Total 1,372 
			 August 2001  
			 Specialist Registrars (SpRs) 423 
			 Senior House Officers (SHOs) 673 
			 Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) 196 
			 Total 1,292 
			   
			 August 2000  
			 Specialist Registrars (SpRs) 404 
			 Senior House Officers (SHOs) 658 
			 Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) 189 
			 Total 1,251 
			   
			 August 1999  
			 Specialist Registrars (SpRs) 383 
			 Senior House Officers (SHOs) 643 
			 Pre-Registration House Officers (PRHOs) 183 
			 Total 1,209

Milk

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government are taking to tackle the differential between the retail and farm gate price of milk in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: I have not taken any action on this matter, as it is not Government policy to interfere in the operation of normal market forces, providing competition rules are respected. I, however, appreciate the important contribution which the dairy sector makes to the agri-food industry in Northern Ireland, albeit it is heavily reliant on the manufacture of bulk commodities for export markets. I would therefore encourage the dairy industry to continue in its efforts to move from a production-led approach towards higher value-added and market-led strategies. This should help to improve the overall competitiveness of the industry and hopefully narrow the differential.

Ministerial Meetings

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) meetings and (b) other communications have taken place between the Ministers with responsibility for each of the Northern Ireland Departments and their counterparts in (i) the Scottish Executive and (ii) the National Assembly of Wales in order to identify areas of co-operation and mutual benefit in each of the past 12 months.

Angela Smith: Formal and informal contact takes place with the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government on an ongoing basis. The British Irish Council on which the Scottish Executive, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Northern Ireland administration are represented continues to provide one effective co-ordinating mechanism to support co-operative working and a number of ministerial meetings have taken place in the last year. The sixth summit, hosted by Guernsey on 19 November 2004, focused on Tourism and the seventh, hosted by the Isle of Man on 20 May 2005, focused on Telemedicine. In addition a sectoral meeting on Environment was held in Dublin on 7 April 2005.

NICE Drug Assessments

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Government expects to refer bortezomib to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Shaun Woodward: I understand that the Department of Health referred bortezomib to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on 20 July 2005. The Institute has not yet published a timescale for the completion of its appraisal.

Personal Injury Claims

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much compensation has been paid in personal injury claims by members of the public against the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland in each of the past three years.

Shaun Woodward: The following table sets out the total compensation paid by the Department for Regional Development in respect of public liability personal injury claims by members of the public in each of the last three years.
	
		£
		
			  Amount 
		
		
			 2004–05 1,760,490 
			 2003–04 2,142,323 
			 2002–03 2,504,607

Pigs

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pigs were reared on Northern Ireland farms in each of the last five years.

Angela Smith: The number of clean finished pigs reared on Northern Ireland farms in each of the last five years is as follows:
	
		
			  Number of pigs reared 
		
		
			 2000 884,400 
			 2001 922,800 
			 2002 931,700 
			 2003 973,200 
			 2004 (16)879,100 
		
	
	(16) Provisional.

Planning Applications

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many planning applications have been approved in each district council area in Northern Ireland during the last 12 months.

Angela Smith: Details of the number of planning approvals issued between 1 November 2004 and 31 October 2005 are set out in the following table.
	
		
			 District council area Number of approvals 
		
		
			 Antrim 980 
			 Ards 1,020 
			 Armagh 1,001 
			 Ballymena 1,114 
			 Ballymoney 702 
			 Banbridge 732 
			 Belfast 2,135 
			 Carrickfergus 323 
			 Castlereagh 496 
			 Coleraine 1,193 
			 Cookstown 1,027 
			 Craigavon 882 
			 Derry 863 
			 Down 1,027 
			 Dungannon 1,677 
			 Fermanagh 1,922 
			 Larne 337 
			 Limavady 763 
			 Lisburn 1,163 
			 Magherafelt 1,109 
			 Moyle 445 
			 Newry and Mourne 1,858 
			 Newtownabbey 654 
			 North Down 593 
			 Omagh 1,400 
			 Strabane 812 
			 Total 26,228

Planning Applications

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many divisional planning decisions were overturned by the management board after being referred to them by district or borough councils in each of the last five years.

Angela Smith: The management board referral (MBR) process is an administrative rather than a statutory process. It affords councils the opportunity to refer planning applications to the Planning Service's management board for further consideration where the council strongly disagrees with the local Divisional Planning Office's recommendation.
	Details of the number applications where the Planning Service's management board overturned the Divisional Planning Office's recommendation is set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of MBR cases Number overturned 
		
		
			 2000 106 10 
			 2001 104 9 
			 2002 123 5 
			 2003 146 6 
			 2004 192 5 
			 2005 234 3

Planning Applications

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many planning applications were lodged within each planning service district in Northern Ireland in each of the past six years; and what the relevant administration costs were in each of the districts in each year.

Angela Smith: Details of the number of planning applications received and the corresponding administration costs, set out by Planning Service division, in each of the last five years are contained in the following table. It is only possible to provide accurate data for the last five years as all the information for previous years is not held electronically and could be extracted only at a disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
			 Division Apps Costs (£) Apps Costs (£) Apps Costs (£) Apps Costs (£) Apps Costs (£) 
		
		
			 Ballymena 3,160 762,236 3,352 778,876 4,000 832,935 5,328 813,180 4,971 1,077,426 
			 Belfast 3,442 990,777 3,821 953,936 3,592 980,833 3,840 1,162,726 3,862 1,326,888 
			 Craigavon 4,986 1,085,314 5,309 1,141,915 6,060 1,391,245 7,493 1,416,160 6,845 1,676,537 
			 Downpatrick 4,120 1,050,383 4,457 1,198,381 5,001 1,241,134 5,036 1,267,004 6,090 1,437,886 
			 Londonderry 3,093 629,116 3,410 614,158 3,556 727,997 4,348 818,318 4,969 1,079,062 
			 Omagh 4,828 1,039,546 4,834 994,979 5,500 1,098,323 6,799 1,319,690 9,205 1,720,971 
			 Headquarters 92 645,877 135 700,430 198 751,233 196 810,263 342 935,144

Police Service of Northern Ireland

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) civilian staff and (b) police officers are employed in each Police Service of Northern Ireland station within the South Antrim constituency.

Shaun Woodward: It is not appropriate, for operational security reasons, to disclose how many personnel are attached to each PSNI station. Equivalent figures for officers and staff for Antrim DCU which covers the most of the South Antrim constituency are set out as follows.
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Regulars 139.75 
			 FTR 36 
			 PTR 17 
			 Civilian staff 30 
			 Agency staff 3

Police Service of Northern Ireland

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the present strength is of the Police Service for Northern Ireland; and what percentage of its members are (a) Roman Catholic, (b) Protestant and (c) of other affiliation.

Shaun Woodward: I am advised that, as at 8 November 2005, PSNI strength was 7,485 (Regular Officers).
	Of these officers:
	(a) 18.88 per cent. were Catholic
	(b) 78.46 per cent. were Protestant
	(c) 2.66 per cent. were Not Determined.

Police Service of Northern Ireland

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the deviation from community balance was in the composition of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Police Service of Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

Shaun Woodward: In light of the deviation from community balance that was present in the composition of the RUC, the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland recommended Police Regular Officers be recruited at an equal ratio of Catholics to non-Catholics.
	They advised that this recruitment profile
	over a 10 year period . . . reflects the demographic breakdown of people now in their twenties, or who will reach the age of recruitment over that period".
	The first intake under these temporary 50:50 provisions was in November 2001. As a result, there has been a marked decrease in the deviation from community balance in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, due an increasing proportion of Catholic officers.
	I am advised that the community background of RUC and PSNI Regular Officers, in each of the last 10 years has been as follows:
	
		Percentage
		
			  Protestant Catholic Not determined 
		
		
			 1 January:
			 1996 88.98 7.96 3.06 
			 1997 88.67 8.16 3.17 
			 1998 88.52 8.24 3.24 
			 1999 88.32 8.33 3.35 
			 2000 88.27 8.37 3.36 
			 2001 88.16 8.48 3.36 
			 2002 87.67 8.86 3.47 
			 2003 85.04 11.68 3.28 
			 2004 83.01 13.91 3.08 
			 2005 80.38 16.87 2.75 
			 
			 8 November:
			 2005 78.46 18.88 2.66

Post Offices

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance is available to assist the start up of new sub-post offices in rural areas in Northern Ireland; and to where applications for grant assistance can be submitted.

Angela Smith: In accordance with its commitment to meet the Government requirement to prevent avoidable post office closures in rural areas, Post Office Ltd. administers a fund to assist with the re-introduction of a branch in a rural area where one has been forced to close within the past 18 months. Prospective applicants should contact the Post Office on 08457 223355. An adviser will then be allocated to help with the specific case.
	Assistance is available to support the start up of small businesses in Northern Ireland under the Start A Business Programme (SABp). Provided certain criteria are met the establishment of a new sub-post office might be eligible. Details of the scheme can be obtained from InvestNI at Bedford square, Bedford street, Belfast BT2 7EH.

Prisons

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the percentage of inmates in prisons in Northern Ireland who will be granted leave for Christmas.

Shaun Woodward: The figures provided in the table show the percentage of inmates that are eligible to apply for home leave this Christmas. It is not possible at this stage to estimate the percentage of prisoners that will be granted leave for this purpose, as each application is subject to a satisfactory risk assessment which takes some time to complete. The decision to grant the Christmas leave rests with the Governor of each establishment. As HMP Magilligan holds prisoners with shorter sentences or those in the latter stages of their sentences, it has proportionately more prisoners eligible to apply for home leave at Christmas.
	
		
			 Establishment Number of prisoners eligible to apply for home leave at Christmas Total number of prisoners at Establishment(17) Percentage of prisoners eligible to apply for home leave at Christmas 
		
		
			 Maghaberry 56 719 7.78 
			 Magilligan 118 406 29.06 
			 Hydebank Wood (including females) 24 223 10.76 
			 Total 198 1,348 14.69 
		
	
	(17) The figures in this column (at 17 November) include 'all' prisoners, viz, remands, determinate sentence and life sentence.

Public Administration Reform

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the period of consultation will be on his plans for the reform of public administration in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The six month consultation that closed on 30 September 2005 was the final opportunity to influence the outcome of the Review of Public Administration. Final decisions were announced on 22 November 2005 and we are now moving into the implementation phase.

Public Appointments

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessments are made of the political party memberships of individuals appointed to quangos and commissions in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: Those appointed to public bodies in Northern Ireland are not required to declare their political background. However, they are asked to declare any significant political activity they may have undertaken in the five years prior to the date of their application.
	Appointments are made solely on merit, political activity is recorded for monitoring purposes only and plays no part in the selection process.

Public Sector Properties

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of public sector properties in each constituency in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The information requested by the hon. Gentleman is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Public Services' Funding

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the adequacy of funding allocated to (a) education, (b) roads maintenance and (c) health in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: All proposed allocations in the recently announced Draft Priorities and Budget 2006–08 must be viewed in the context of the overall resources available for public services in Northern Ireland, and in particular the fact that there was no National Spending Review this year, and hence no material additional resources for Northern Ireland.
	Proposed allocations for Education and Health continue to grow in real terms over the two years to 2007–08, and will be further supplemented by the three priority funding packages. While there has been some reduction in the amounts available for Roads Maintenance, the proposed amounts available should still enable Roads Service to respond to emergencies, treat surface defects and carry out the highest priority remedial works.

Regional Museums Review

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the full report on the Review of Regional Museums will be published; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: The report of the Steering Group to the Local Museum and Heritage Review was issued on 26 March 2001. The joint response of the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Department of the Environment to the above report was issued in October 2003.
	Both documents are available from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and through the Department's website.

Regional Tourism Partnerships

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will increase the funding of the regional tourism partnerships; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: Regional Tourism Organisations are the predecessors of the proposed new Regional Tourism Partnerships, and are currently funded by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board under the European Union's Peace II Programme. As this funding will not be available after 1 April 2006, the future funding of the proposed Regional Tourism Partnerships will be considered in the context of the Government's draft Budget 2005, which is currently the subject of public consultation.

Renewable Energy

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards meeting the targets for the provision of renewable energy in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: The target set is that by 2012 at least 12 per cent. of all electricity consumed in Northern Ireland is obtained from indigenous renewable energy sources with 15 per cent. of this being generated by non-wind technologies. Since April 2005 the supply of electricity from renewable sources has increased by 120 per cent. and at 30 September 2005 had reached 5.8 per cent. with 3.5 per cent. coming from indigenous sources.

Road Maintenance

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he will take to revise and increase the financial allocation towards structural roads maintenance in the next three years following the recommendations of the regional transportation strategy; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The Draft Budget provides that, by 2008, total Government spending in Northern Ireland will exceed £16 billion, a jump of more than 50 per cent. since 1997. Public expenditure in Northern Ireland is by far the highest figure for any region of the UK and is 29 per cent. higher than the UK average.
	Notwithstanding this, there are many pressures on the Northern Ireland Budget and the roads' programme must compete for funding along with other spending programmes. The Draft Priorities and Budget 2006–08 is presently out for consultation. It allocated additional resources for health and for education and this inevitably had some implications for other programmes including roads maintenance. It is expected that the revised budget will be announced in December 2005 and allocations will be kept under review in the context of budgetary management processes.
	The Regional Transportation Strategy (2002–2012) identified strategic transportation investment priorities and considered potential funding sources and affordability of planned initiatives over the 10-year period. It was explained in the RTS that the level of public expenditure funding for the Strategy would be determined through the normal budgetary process, which will take account of the needs of other departments and decisions on priorities.
	Roads service will continue to make best use of the resources available to it to develop and maintain the road network.

Road Safety

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has held with his ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland regarding the adoption of a north-south approach to road safety to reduce deaths and serious injuries on roads throughout the island of Ireland.

Angela Smith: Officials from the Department of the Environment and the Department for Regional Development have been liaising closely with counterparts in the Republic of Ireland's Department of Transport (DoT), National Roads Authority (NRA) and National Safety Council (NSC) and, through Cross Border Steering Group meetings, with officials from the Department of the Environment and Local Government, to ensure positive road safety benefits on both sides of the border.
	Among the most notable areas of co-operation is the joint production of road safety campaigns that have been a significant feature of the publicity programmes in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in recent years. Joint campaigns increase value for money, production costs can be shared and the partnership approach draws sponsorship at a level that would not otherwise be available. To date there have been eight joint road safety campaigns with a ninth, addressing drink-driving, in preparation.
	Work is in hand to develop an agreement between UK and Ireland to allow driving disqualifications to be recognised in both countries regardless of where the offences took place. This will allow the worst offenders, who would otherwise be escaping the rule of law, to be removed from the road. Work is also in hand to allow each administration to recognise the penalties for driving offences at levels below that of disqualification.
	There has been a large degree of co-operation on the EuroRAP project. EuroRAP aims to help reduce death and serious injury on Europe's roads by generating consumer information to the public and providing road engineers with benchmarking information.
	Roads Service and the NRA are also joint partners in the European (DG TREN) funded project INSTANT, a multimodal project which considers the need for traffic control measures and traffic and travel information on the Belfast to Dublin corridor.

Road Safety

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) fatal and (b) non-fatal road traffic accidents have occurred in each of the last five years on the (i) Knock Dual Carriage Way, (ii) Comber road and (iii) Upper Newtownards road.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is not readily accessible in the format specified and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The available figures are contained in the following table and show the number of fatal and non-fatal accidents in East Belfast District Command Unit in each of the last five years.
	
		Number of injury road traffic collisions in East Belfast DCU: 2000–04
		
			  Fatal collision Non fatal collision(18) Total collisions 
		
		
			 2000 3 354 357 
			 2001 3 351 354 
			 2002 4 305 309 
			 2003 1 238 239 
			 2004 — 255 255 
			 Total 11 1,503 1,514 
		
	
	(18) Non-injury collisions are not included.

Roads (South Antrim)

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on major road schemes in South Antrim constituency; and what the estimated cost of the schemes are for each year between 2005 and 2008.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin to Dr. William McCrea, dated 23 November 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding if he will make a statement on major road schemes in the South Antrim constituency and their estimated cost for each year between 2005 and 2008. I have been asked to reply as these issues fall within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	The recently published Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan and the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan set out the Department's transport proposals up to 2015. Included within these transport plans are the following major road schemes which lie wholly or partly within the South Antrim Parliamentary Constituency area.
	All schemes are subject to the satisfactory completion of the various statutory procedures and the availability of funding through the normal budget process.
	A6 Dualling Randalstown to Castledawson
	This £69.5 million contract will complete a continuous dual carriageway between the western end of the M22 Motorway at Randalstown and the Castledawson roundabout. Planning of the scheme is well advanced and it is anticipated that the statutory orders, i.e. Environmental Statement, Notice of Intention to Make a Direction Order, and Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order will be published in late spring 2006. Construction of the £33.4 million Randalstown to Toome section of the dualling, which lies within the South Antrim Parliamentary Constituency area, could start in late 2007/early 2008, with an estimated expenditure that year of approximately £12 million.
	M2 Crosskeiinan Slips
	This £1.8 million scheme will complete the M2 junction 7, providing full motorway access to the Antrim Area Hospital and on to Antrim town. It is anticipated that the current contract to construct the on-slips to the motorway will commence in Spring 2006. The contract will be carried out as part of the £100 million Public Private Partnership contract, which includes widening of the Ml and Belfast Westlink Corridor. It is expected that £1.6 million will be spent on this scheme during the 2006/2007 financial year and £0.2 million spent during the 2007/2008 financial year.
	M2 widening from Junction 4, Sandyknowes to Junction Z, Greencastle
	The £30 million scheme to widen the M2 carriageway to create an additional southbound lane between the Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions is currently being progressed as part of Roads Service's Design, Build, Finance and Operate Package 1. Construction of these improvements is expected to start in 2008.
	I can also advise that Roads Service are currently progressing two further significant, minor works schemes within South Antrim. Work on a new roundabout on the A57 Templepatrick Road/ Station Road/ Longshot, to replace the existing staggered junction, started on 15 August 2005 and is due for completion by the end of December 2005, at a cost £878,000. In addition, a scheme to replace the existing staggered junction with a new roundabout at Doagh Road/Carntall Road/Carnmoney Road North, and to include the provision of a footway on Carntall Road from Doagh Road to 100 Carntall Road, is currently at design stage. Subject to clearing the necessary statutory procedures and the availability of funds at the time, the scheme is programmed to start on site during the 2007/08 financial year at an estimated cost of £500,000.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Rural Development Programme

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when (a) his assessment of the report prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers into the last Rural Development Programme and (b) the strategy for the new Rural Development Programme will be published.

Angela Smith: With regards to part (a) , the report prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers into the last Rural Development Programme 1994–99, was the Ex-post Evaluation of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 1994–99, published in 2003. The key recommendations within the report were agreed and are being implemented in the current Rural Development Programme 2001–06.
	With regard to part (b) the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development plan to publish draft strategy for consultation before the end of 2005.

Soccer Funding

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department has given to soccer in each of the last three years in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The following exchequer funding has been given to soccer in each of the last three years by the Sports Council for Northern Ireland (SCNI).
	
		SCNI exchequer funding
		
			  £ 
			  Soccer 
		
		
			 2002–03 1,931,575 
			 2003–04 69,624 
			 2004–05 1,053,092 
		
	
	Note:
	Includes funding via the Safe Sports Ground Programme.
	In addition the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP), Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI), Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), Department of Social Development (DSD) and Department of Education (DE).
	
		DFP funding
		
			   £ 
			  Soccer Numerous Sports(19) 
		
		
			 2002–03 10,800 — 
			 2003–04 565,041 15,000 
			 2004–05 57,618 61,227 
		
	
	(19) Includes peace II funding to projects involving soccer and other type of sports.
	
		DETI funding
		
			  £ 
			  Soccer 
		
		
			 2002–03 13,629 
			 2003–04 57,332 
			 2004–05 5,319 
		
	
	
		OFMDFM funding
		
			  £ 
			  Soccer 
		
		
			 2002–03 18,188.90 
			 2003–04 62,234.20 
			 2004–05 31,277.80 
		
	
	
		DSD funding
		
			  £ 
			  Soccer 
		
		
			 2002–03 14,688.66 
			 2003–04 177,039.04 
			 2004–05 (20)420,814.60 
		
	
	(20) This figure includes a grant for £260,000.00 towards a multi-sports facility where soccer is the main game played on the pitch but it also has a facility available where a variety of other sports can be played.
	
		DE funding
		
			  £ 
			  Soccer 
		
		
			 2002–03 — 
			 2003–04 5,436.25 
			 2004–05 4,311

Soccer Funding

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will detail the amount of funding his Department has given to Gaelic football in each of the last three years in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The following exchequer funding has been given to Gaelic Games, including Gaelic Football in each of the last three years by the Sports Council for Northern Ireland (SCNI).
	
		SCNI exchequer funding
		
			  £ 
			  Gaelic(21)(5508410022) 
		
		
			 2002–03 557,042 
			 2003–04 207,596 
			 2004–05 208,211 
		
	
	(21) Includes funding via the Safe Sports Ground Programme.
	(22) Gaelic includes Gaelic Football, Hurling and other Gaelic Athletic Association Games.
	In addition, the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP), Department of Social Development (DSD) and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), have provided the following funding:
	
		DFP funding
		
			  £ 
			  Gaelic Numerous sports(23) 
		
		
			 2002–03 — — 
			 2003–04 55,000 48,434 
			 2004–05 15,000 — 
		
	
	(23) Includes peace II funding to projects involving Gaelic football and other sports.
	
		DSD funding
		
			  £ 
			  Gaelic 
		
		
			 2002–03 — 
			 2003–04 998 
			 2004–05 60,885 
		
	
	
		DARD funding
		
			  £ 
			  Gaelic 
		
		
			 2002–03 5,594 
			 2003–04 — 
			 2004–05 —

South Down (Secondary Roads)

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to improve secondary roads in South Down to improve access to the Belfast to Dublin corridor; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin to Mr. Eddie McGrady, dated 21 November 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding what action is being taken to improve secondary roads in South Down to improve access to the Belfast/Dublin corridor.
	I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	As you will be aware, the most direct routes from Downpatrick to the Belfast/Dublin corridor (A1) are the A25 through Rathfriland and latterly the A25/B8 through Hilltown.
	On the A25 we have recently completed a carriageway improvement scheme at Kilcoo at a cost of £220,000, with major resurfacing work at Knocksticken, Ballykilbeg, Loughislandreavey, Ballybannon to Priest's Road, and Priest's Road to Aughlisnafin at a cost of £547,000.
	We also have plans to carry out a number of improvement schemes on these routes including:
	junction improvements on the A25 Dublin Road at Burrenreagh Road near Castlewellan at an estimated cost of £40,000 (05/06);
	carriageway realignment on the B8 Hilltown Road, Newry, at an estimated cost of £400,000 (06/07);
	carriageway realignment and visibility improvement on the A25 Burrenbridge Road at an estimated cost of £100,000 (06/07) ;and
	carriageway resurfacing at Windsor Hill, Newry, at an estimated cost of £65,000 (06/07).
	In relation to other A" and B" Class roads in the South Down area, we have recently completed, or plan to complete the following improvements during the current year at a cost of some £1,200,000:
	carriageway realignment on the B2 at Caughey's Road, Dromore;
	junction improvements and footway provision on the B10 at Mays Corner;
	carriageway realignment and footway provision on the A2 Newry Road, Kilkeel at Mourne Grange;
	carriageway realignment and footway provision on the A2 at Ballindoalty Corner between Rostrevor and Kilkeel;.
	carriageway realignment on the B2 Annacloy Road, Downpatrick;
	carriageway realignment and junction improvement on the B2 at Ballygowan Road;
	junction improvement on the B3 at Ballinafoy Road Rathfriland;
	carriageway realignment on the B7 Dromara Road at Ballyroney;
	carriageway realignment and junction improvement on the B10 Derrylough Road, Banbridge;
	junction improvement on the B2 Lurgan Road at Ballynaris Hill, Dromore;
	junction improvement and footway provision at Greenpark Road, Rostrevor; and
	junction improvement on the B27 Sandbank Road, Hilltown.
	Finally, the following improvement schemes are currently programmed for future financial years at a cost of some £785,000:
	junction improvement on the B2 at Magheraloan Road, Annacloy;
	junction improvement on the B10 at Lisnaree Road, Banbridge; and
	carriageway realignment on the A50 Castlewellan Road at Corbet Lough;
	I hope this information is helpful.

Speed Detection Devices

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how many occasions the (a) Operational Command Unit and (b) District Command Unit have used (i) speed detection devices and (ii) tax detection devices on the Comber road.

Shaun Woodward: The Police Service of Northern Ireland do not record the information requested in relation to speed detection devices.
	Driver Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland carries out tax detection by Automatic Number Plate Reader. I am advised that they do not use any sites on the Comber road for detection purposes.

Student Finance

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to require adults to pay higher tuition fees for college courses in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: From the 2006–07 academic year, Northern Ireland institutions providing designated courses of full-time higher education will be able to charge annual tuition fees of up to £3,000 to students entering higher education from that year. From 2006–07 all Northern Ireland domiciled students studying at institutions in the UK, will be able to defer payment by taking out a non-means tested loan which will not have to be paid until after the student leaves higher education and is earning more than £15,000 per year.

Sports Funding

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding his Department has provided for (a) hockey, (b) cricket and (c) rugby in each of the last three years in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The following exchequer funding has been given to hockey, cricket and rugby in each of the last three years provided by the Sports Council for Northern Ireland (SCNI).
	
		SCNI Exchequer funding
		
			£ 
			  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Hockey 51,150 112,393 120,605 
			 Cricket 26,330 61,814 65,246 
			 Rugby(24) 122,035 101,825 96,728 
		
	
	(24) Includes funding via the Safe Sports Ground Programme.
	In addition, the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP), Department of Education (DE), Department of Social Development (DSD) and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), have provided the following:
	
		DFP funding
		
			£ 
			  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Hockey — — 7,245 
			 Cricket — — — 
			 Rugby — 88,478 7,200 
			 Numerous sports(25) — 48,434 — 
		
	
	(25) Includes Peace II funding to projects involving more than one of the listed sports.
	
		DE funding
		
			  £ 
			  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Hockey — — 1,441 
			 Cricket — — 1,132 
			 Rugby — — — 
		
	
	
		DSD funding
		
			£ 
			  2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 
		
		
			 Hockey — — 211 
			 Cricket — — — 
			 Rugby 9,000 — — 
		
	
	
		DARD funding
		
			£ 
			  2002–03 2003/04 2004/05 
		
		
			 Hockey — — — 
			 Cricket — — — 
			 Rugby — — 58

Statementing

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children in each Education and Library Board area are awaiting assessment for a statement; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: The following table shows by, Education and Library Board, the total number of children for whom a statutory assessment has currently been requested (column a), out of that total, the number of cases where the assessment process has not yet started (column b) and the number of statutory assessments currently underway by boards (column c).
	
		
			 Education and Library Board (a) Number of children requiring a statutory assessment (b) Of (a) the number of cases, where the assessment process has not yet started (c ) Number of statutory assessments currently under way (a)-(b) 
		
		
			 Belfast Education and Library Board 220 0 220 
			 North Eastern Education and Library Board 164 6 158 
			 South Eastern Education and Library Board 570 60 510 
			 Southern Education and Library Board 281 25 256 
			 Western Education and Library Board 247 14 233 
		
	
	The Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs sets out a five-stage approach to the process. At Stage 4 the Education and Library Board considers the need for a statutory assessment, following a request from parents of the child, the school or other agencies. If the board considers that such an assessment is necessary, the parents will be notified and a multi-disciplinary assessment will be made. The board may then make a statement of special educational needs at Stage 5. From the date of the initial request for statutory assessment, the board has 18 weeks, subject to certain exceptions, to issue a proposed statement, where this has been found to be necessary.

Stevens Inquiry

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the total cost of the Stevens Inquiry into allegations of police collusion in Northern Ireland; and what assessment he has made of the progress made by the inquiry to date.

Peter Hain: Sir John Stevens' report is to the Chief Constable of the PSNI. The Stevens investigation has thus far been funded by the PSNI and is therefore a matter for the Chief Constable.
	Specific criminal investigations continue and the criminal justice process must be allowed to take its course.

Sub-regional Transportation Plan

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when work will be completed on the sub-regional transportation plan for Northern Ireland; when the plan will be published; and what consultation measures will be put in place for the plan.

Shaun Woodward: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin to Mr. Eddie McGrady, dated 21 November 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding when work will be completed on the Sub-Regional Transportation Plan (SRTP) for Northern Ireland; when the plan will be published; and what consultation measures will be put in place for the plan.
	I have been asked to reply, as these issues fall within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	The draft SRTP is programmed to be published for formal consultation in March 2006, and at this stage, the nature of the consultation process has not been finalised. The final SRTP is programmed for completion by December 2006, however, this will be dependent on the exact nature of responses received during the consultation process.
	I should add, that as with all transport plans, the schemes contained within the SRTP would be subject to normal statutory procedures and to the availability of funds at the time.
	I hope this information is helpful.

Supporting People Programme

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list payments made in Northern Ireland from the Supporting People programme in each of the last three years.

David Hanson: The Supporting People programme funds 114 providers providing housing support services to over 900 schemes. The total amount paid out in the last three years is as follows:
	
		
			  Amount paid (£) 
		
		
			 2003–04 42,805,119.53 
			 2004–05 48,870,916.70 
			 2005 to date 31,784,917.93

Telecare Projects

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding was allocated for Telecare projects in Northern Ireland in the last three years, broken down by constituency.

Shaun Woodward: The Department has not made a specific allocation of funds for the provision of Telecare services in the last three years.

Telecommunications Masts

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many planning permission applications have been granted for mobile phone masts in South Antrim in each of the last three years.

Angela Smith: Details of the number of mobile phone masts granted approval in the South Antrim constituency over the last three years are set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Council area 
			  Antrim Newtownabbey 
		
		
			 2002–03 12 11 
			 2003–04 11 4 
			 2004–05 8 7 
		
	
	It should be noted that figures for 2002 also include applications made under the prior approval process. In June 2002 Permitted Development rights were removed by statute except in the case of an emergency and applications for telecommunications equipment were subject to the full planning process.

Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent additional security measures have been put in place at the Ulster Community and hospitals trust to protect staff since an attack on four nursing staff at the Accident and Emergency department by a member of the public on the weekend of 12–13 November; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: Following the recent incident at the Ulster Community and hospitals trust, the management have conducted a formal incident review and personnel have met with the PSNI to explore ways of improving security. An action plan, detailing improved structural security measures at the Ulster hospital's A and E department has been drawn up and this will be implemented as soon as possible.

Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the extent was of the injuries sustained by the nursing staff at the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust Accident and Emergency department as a result of the attack by a member of the public on the weekend of 12 and 13 November.

Shaun Woodward: Following the recent incident at the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust, nurses were traumatised; no physical injuries were sustained.

Unemployment (South Antrim)

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes in the level of unemployment there have been in South Antrim constituency in each year since 2001.

Angela Smith: Unemployment levels from the claimant count in the South Antrim parliamentary constituency in each of the years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 (to October), together with their yearly change are provided in the following table.
	
		South Antrim
		
			  Unemployment (annual averages except for 2005)  Change from previous year 
		
		
			 2001 1,427 -110 
			 2002 1,505 78 
			 2003 1,398 -107 
			 2004 1,111 -287 
			 2005(26) 1,086 — 
		
	
	(26) January-October

Voluntary Organisations

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has recently held a meeting with the Organisation of the Unemployed Northern Ireland to discuss the funding of voluntary and community organisations; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: No Ministerial meetings have been held with the Organisation of the Unemployed NI (OUNI). Officials from the Department for Social Development (DSD) and the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) have met with OUNI to discuss potential funding opportunities. Although no immediate funding sources were identified, the organisation was advised of future funding streams and the requirements for voluntary and community sector organisations involved in delivery of public services.

Wages

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average yearly wage in Northern Ireland was in 2004.

Angela Smith: Median gross annual earnings for full-time employees on adult rates, who have been in the same job for at least 12 months, including those whose pay was affected by absence was £19,634 at April 2004.

Waiting Times

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to his letter of 31 October, what definition he uses of an unreasonable length of time in respect of waiting times for (a) an out-patient appointment and (b) in-patient or day-case treatment in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: I have stated on numerous occasions that I view current hospital waiting times in Northern Ireland as completely unacceptable.
	The aim of the elective care reform programme I announced in July is to develop fully scheduled services within which patients can access the care they require within the time scale that their clinical condition dictates.
	The first steps of the reform programme to address in-patient and day-case waiting times are now under way, and I will announce detailed proposals to tackle out-patient waiting times next month.

Water Consumption

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes there have been in levels of water consumption in Northern Ireland over the last three years.

Shaun Woodward: The Chief Executive of Water Service (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Mrs. Katharine Bryan to Dr. William McCrea, dated 23 November 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about what changes there have been in levels of water consumption in Northern Ireland over the last three years (30624). I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Water Service.
	The figures for water consumption by both domestic and non-domestic customers are as follows:
	
		
			 As at March: Million litres per day 
		
		
			 2003 503 
			 2004 498 
			 2005 490 
		
	
	There is a high degree of estimation used in arriving at these consumption figures, mainly due to the low level of metering in Northern Ireland. There are also a number of factors which affect the level of water consumption, including seasonal variations in weather. Water Service manages water demand through a range of measures included in its Water Efficiency Plan, including raising awareness about water conservation and the promotion of water saving devices.

Water Consumption

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what opportunities he has identified in Northern Ireland for significant water savings by consumers.

Shaun Woodward: The Chief Executive of Water Service (Mrs. Katharine Bryan) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	Letter from Mrs. Katharine Bryan to Dr. William McCrea, dated 23 November 2005
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about what opportunities he has identified by consumers in Northern Ireland for significant water savings (30692). I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Water Service.
	Water Service's second Water Efficiency Plan, which was published on 12 January 2004, set out a wide range of measures aimed at reducing demand for water through the effective use of water by both Water Service and its customers. One of the key aspects of the plan is a reduction in the level of leakage. A significant programme of investment has resulted in leakage being reduced by over 100 megalitres per day (Ml/d) from 291 Ml/d in March 2002 to the current level of 190 Ml/d at September 2005. In achieving this level of reduction Water Service has been actively encouraging customers to play their part in eliminating leakage within private property. It is estimated that some 20 per cent. of total leakage occurs within the customers' pipework, therefore customers have an important contribution to make to this aim. In 2004, the Water Service introduced the Leakline" free telephone number (08000 282011) to encourage customers to report any visible leaks.
	Water Service continues to raise awareness of the need for water efficiency by providing practical advice on the actions that the customers can take. These include carrying out water efficiency audits and the installation of Hippo bags in larger toilet cisterns to reduce the amount of water used. Water efficiency is also promoted through the distribution of leaflets to customers, through public displays, exhibitions and presentations identifying how water can be used wisely in the home, school, business and agricultural premises Over the past few years, water efficiency leaflets have been issued to every property in Northern Ireland. Water Service has a double decker bus, known as the Waterbus, which contains an exhibition on water and sewerage services. The Waterbus visits schools to make children aware of the water cycle, water sources, water treatment, the efficient use of water and wastewater treatment, through a number of displays, models, experiments, video shows and computers.
	Water Service's annual customer survey contains a number of the questions relating to water efficiency and in recent years the responses have indicated an increasing awareness of water efficiency among customers.

Wind Farms

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for planning permission have been granted for wind turbines in South Antrim constituency in each of the last three years.

Angela Smith: Details of the number of wind turbines granted approval in the South Antrim constituency in each of the last three years are set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of wind turbines approved 
		
		
			 2002–03 5 
			 2003–04 2 
			 2004–05 4

Youth Funding

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding will be provided to implement the Province's Children and Young People strategy.

Angela Smith: The Strategy for Children and Young People is currently being re-drafted and will be launched in February 2006. Implementation of the strategy will involve the development of fully costed plans updated and reviewed on a regular basis.
	In addition, as part of our proposals for the draft budget for Northern Ireland for 2006–08 an additional £25 million has been provided in each of the next two years to ensure that every child has the best start in life. This will include driving forward our policies in areas such as pre-school and extended/out-of-hours school-based activities, child care and Sure Start, as well as measures to foster their health and well-being.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Development Instrument

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether the Development Instrument will provide funding for education.

Gareth Thomas: The Development Co-operation and Economic Co-operation Instrument (DCECI) will provide development funding for all countries currently covered by the Asia, Latin America and parts of the TACIS (Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States) Regulations. The Commission has also suggested it covers funding for the ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific). Likewise, it will provide funding for thematic programmes in specific sectors of global or multi-country nature, which cannot be covered by normal country or regional programmes.
	Country and regional programmes establish the focus of Community assistance in specific countries and regions. This will be based on partner Governments' specific needs and development plans. It will also reflect the added value of Community aid in particular countries and sectors. Funding of activities in the field of education will depend on these factors. From experience, we know that Community country programmes do fund activities in the field of education.
	Globally applicable or cross-cutting education initiatives may also fall under the thematic funding banner. This is likely to remain the case for the new batch of thematic programmes to be launched under the next Financial Perspectives (2007–13).

Disaster Relief

Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of Government funding in respect of (a) the tsunami, (b) the Pakistan earthquake, (c) the situation in Niger and (d) the situation in Southern Africa has been directed to (i) the International Movement of the Red Cross, (ii) Red Crescent, (iii) International Red Cross/Crescent Federation, (iv) all non-government organisations and (v) United Nation agencies.

Gareth Thomas: The percentage of Government funding provided in response to the Asian tsunami, Pakistan earthquake, Niger and Southern Africa humanitarian crises which has been directed to the International Movement of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, International Red Cross/Crescent Federation, non-government organisations and United Nations agencies is set out in the following table. Where relevant, funding for humanitarian relief and reconstruction has been separately recorded. The 'Total UK Government funding' figures shown refer to funding commitments given by DFID in response to current (and ongoing) crises.
	
		
			  Percentage of which was channelled to: 
			 Event/Type of assistance Total UK Government funding (£ million) International Movement of the Red Cross Red Crescent International Red Cross/Crescent Federation All non-government organisations United Nations agencies 
		
		
			 Asian tsunami(27)   
			 Humanitarian relief 75.00 2 — 3 16 50 
			 Reconstruction 65.00 — — — — 8 
			
			 Pakistan earthquake   
			 Humanitarian relief 33.00 6 — 4 27 29 
			 Reconstruction 70.00 (28)— (28)— (28)— (28)— (28)— 
			
			 Niger   
			 Humanitarian relief 3.25 — — — 42 58 
			 Southern Africa(29)   
			 Humanitarian relief 37.23 1 — — 22 35 
		
	
	(27) Tsunami figures cover contributions to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, and Maldives.
	Of the £65.00 million for reconstruction £41.40 million has been committed; £25.60 million to the multi Donor Trust Fund with further amounts pledged to the Decentralisation Support Facility, Transparency International and World Bank. The remaining funds are yet to be programmed.
	(28) Announced 19 November, not yet programmed by agency.
	(29) Southern Africa covers contributions to Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
	
		Background figures to table
		
			 £000 
			   of which: 
			 Event Total UK Government funding International Movement of the Red Cross Red Crescent International Red Cross/Crescent Federation All non- government organisations United Nations agencies 
		
		
			 Asian tsunami   
			 Humanitarian 75,000,000 1,500,000 — 2,000,000 11,845,959 37,808,001 
			 Reconstruction 65,000,000 — — — — 5,000,000 
			
			 Pakistan earthquake   
			 Humanitarian 33,000,000 2,078,250 — 1,500,000 9,083,784 9,438,250 
			 Reconstruction 70,000,000 (30)— — — — — 
			
			 Niger 3,250,000 — — — 1,367,000 1,863,000 
			
			 Southern Africa 37,230,000 610,389 (Zimbabwe) — — 1,041,925 (Zambia) 130,000 (Malawi) 
			  7,365,844 (Zimbabwe) 837,000 (Mozambique) 
			   350,000 (Lesotho) 
			   300,000 (Swaziland) 
			   425,575 (Zambia) 
			   11,102,350 (Zimbabwe) 
		
	
	(30) Still to be programmed
	Other funds provided by UK Government are disbursed through the DFID programme or given directly to the partner Government.

Indian Ocean Tsunami

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 8 November 2005, Official Report, column 309W, on the Indian Ocean tsunami, if he will place in the Library a copy of the report of the independent review of his Department's humanitarian response in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India following the tsunami.

Gareth Thomas: The review consists of a number of documents relating to different aspects of the response, and to date is not fully completed. DFID intends to publish the review on its website once the process is complete. A copy will also then be placed in the Library.

IT Projects

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many IT projects which cost over £1 million and were introduced since 1997 are in use in his Department.

Gareth Thomas: DFID has had 11 IT projects which cost over £1 million and were introduced since 1997. Of these, seven are in use, three are current projects which are not yet complete, and one has been superseded by a later project.

IT Projects

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many of the IT projects costing over £1 million in use in his Department and introduced since 1997 have been scrutinised by the Public Accounts Committee; and if he will list them.

Gareth Thomas: None.

Sugar

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made in developing economic action plans to help Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean affected by changes to the EU's sugar regime.

Gareth Thomas: It is very important that Commonwealth Caribbean countries produce appropriately costed sugar transition action plans as soon as possible in order to be eligible for European Union (EU) transitional assistance in 2006, and so that the European Commission (EC) can make realistic and appropriate plans for further financing from 2007 onwards.
	DFID has been closely engaged with ensuring that the impact of sugar reform is fully considered for a number of years. In 2003 and 2004, DFID-funded reports were produced on the impact of reform on the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Sugar Protocol countries, the impact on the Least Developed Countries and options for transitional assistance. These reports were made public, and have enabled an informed debate on the developmental aspects of sugar reform to take place.
	In March 2005, DFID funded a workshop in Trinidad which initiated the process of developing sugar transition action plans in the Caribbean. Since July, as President of the EU, the UK has been working with the EC, other EU member states and the European Parliament to secure agreement on the draft regulation produced by the EC in June 2005 for the timely delivery of adequate transitional assistance to the Sugar Protocol countries.
	DFID is working alongside the EC Delegations in the Caribbean to support development of sugar transition action plans by the six Commonwealth Caribbean sugar producing countries: Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.
	The Government of Barbados have asked for DFID's support for the preparation of their action plan on the basis of their forthcoming National Strategic Plan that will inform the future direction of the sugar industry. Consultancy work on this should begin shortly and a draft report should be prepared by mid-January 2006.
	Belize has already developed a strategy for the reform of its sugar industry and initiated discussion of a detailed action plan. The Government of Belize recently asked DFID's support for its preparation and are finalising the scope of the required advice. We are encouraging the Government to take the opportunity of the changes necessitated by the sugar reform to look more widely at the macro-economic challenges facing the country.
	The Government of Guyana's working group is preparing the draft action plan, with DFID-funded consultants identified to help put this into the required EC format. To date, given the Government's unwillingness to commit themselves publicly to producing an action plan, there remains a risk that Guyana will not be prepared to submit its plan by the end of the year.
	In Jamaica, Prime Minister Patterson said in a statement to Parliament in October that the cane industry will be centred on three products raw sugar for export and domestic markets, molasses for use in rum production, and ethanol. He stated that the Government was at an advanced stage of development of the Jamaica action plan and intended to submit this to the EC ahead of schedule. He specifically recognised the assistance that DFID has offered to provide to help design measures to mitigate the social impact of the sugar reforms.
	Due to the high debt to national income burden and its impact on the labour force, the adjustment process in St. Kitts and Nevis will be particularly challenging. To assist, DFID is leading the co-ordination of donor support to St. Kitts and supporting three key pieces of work to inform the Government's preparation of their action plan: consultants to advise on the corporate restructuring of the Sugar Manufacturing Company, a land resource analysis to identify feasible options for the use of the sugar lands and a study to help identify support for those affected adversely by the sugar transition. The Commission's team of consultants working on the preparation of St. Kitts adaptation strategy aims to complete its assignment in December, drawing on these DFID supported reports.
	In Trinidad and Tobago, DFID, in close liaison with the EC Delegation, is financing a consultancy to help put the Government prepare their action plan. The consultants facilitated the first consultation on 26 October that brought together representatives from farmers' associations, the sugar industry, the Government, and development partners. The consultants are due to deliver their report by the second week of December.

Uganda

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on recent attacks on non-governmental organisation workers in Uganda.

Gareth Thomas: The European Union, under the UK presidency, condemned the recent attacks on non-governmental organisation (NGO) staff in northern Uganda in a statement issued on 31 October. NGOs play a crucial role in providing humanitarian relief to hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the conflict in the north. As a result of the recent attacks many agencies have severely curtailed their movement outside major towns. The World Food Programme continues to deliver essential emergency food aid as normal under heavy military escort.
	The attacks only serve to increase the suffering of civilians. The Ugandan Government, working with other countries in the region, must do all it can to protect civilians and to ensure the safety of aid workers.

Water and Sanitation (Funding)

Dari Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will break down the UK's funding for water and sanitation in 2004–05 by (a) recipient country and (b) funding route.

Gareth Thomas: The most precise available measure of water and sanitation expenditure comes from a detailed analysis commissioned by DFID. The report 'Financial Support to the Water Sector 2002–04', produced for us by consultants, estimates that DFID spent £221 million on water and sanitation in 2003–04. This report also provides a breakdown of expenditure by country and estimates of how expenditure is split through different funding routes for the years 2002–03 and 2003–04. A copy of this report has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The analysis is currently being updated for 2004–05 and figures are expected to be available around March 2006.

Water and Sanitation (Funding)

Dari Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will break down the UK's planned aid for water and sanitation in 2007–08 by (a) country and (b) funding route.

Gareth Thomas: In response to the current situation where most of sub-Saharan Africa is off-track to meet the water and sanitation Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets, DFID has committed to double spending on water supply and sanitation sectors in Africa from £47.5 million in 2004–05 to £95 million in 2007–08. This will bring our global spending on water and sanitation up to at least £225 million a year by 2008. We anticipate that meeting the commitment will require an increase in expenditure through all funding mechanisms, including our own bilateral programmes, but also through encouraging others such as the World Bank and the EU to do more in water and sanitation. We do not have specific country targets.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Damages

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the 10 largest amounts of damages paid out by her Department in the last year for which figures are available, indicating in each case the nature of the claim.

Jim Knight: The 10 largest amounts of damages paid out in the last year are as follows:
	£52,000 for personal injury compensation to an employee
	£52,000 for personal injury compensation as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak
	£33,839 for personal injury compensation as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak
	£30,000 for personal injury compensation as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak
	£14,000 for unfair dismissal and discrimination compensation
	£13,967 for road traffic accident compensation
	£12,073 for personal injury compensation as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak
	£9,500 for personal injury compensation as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak
	£8,189 for road traffic accident compensation
	£8,000 for personal injury compensation as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak

Date-based Export Scheme

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions her Department has had with the European Commission regarding the lifting of the date-based export scheme; and when the scheme will be lifted.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 22 November 2005
	Defra officials and Ministers have maintained regular contacts with the European Commission to seek the end of the beef .export ban at the earliest possible time.
	EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) inspectors visited the UK in June 2005 to assess the state of our BSE controls. Their report was published on 28 September 2005 and was discussed at a meeting of the Commission's TSE Working Group on the same day. The Commission issued a press release stating that the pre-conditions for discussions to begin with member states on lifting the embargo have been met.
	The next step is for the Commission to submit to member states a proposal to lift the ban on the export from the UK of cattle, beef and other bovine products and we expect discussions with member states to commence this month. Due to the need to observe EU legal procedures and to gain member states' agreement, it is unlikely that legislation to lift the ban will come into force until early 2006. The Government are continuing to work in Brussels to ensure that the export ban is lifted as soon as possible.
	If EU legislation to lift the export ban is adopted, we will need to amend our existing domestic legislation, the Bovines and Bovine Products (Trade) Regulations 1999, to bring UK law into line with EU law. We have already launched a public consultation on the lifting of the ban and related issues, with the aim of ensuring that changes to EU and UK law can, as far as possible, enter into force at the same time so as to enable exports to resume at the earliest possible opportunity.
	When the export ban is lifted, the date-based export scheme will no longer be required and will automatically be discontinued.

Departmental Assets

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the 10 most valuable (a) movable and (b) immovable assets owned by her Department.

Jim Knight: The 10 most valuable moveable and immovable assets owned by the Department, including its sponsored bodies, are shown in the tables. In the main, the monetary values reflect the value of the assets as at the end of the 2004/05 financial year. The lists do not include IT systems still in the process of development.
	The Forestry Commission and British Waterways are both part of the Defra group, and each has considerable property holdings. For clarity, and to avoid these property holdings masking other major assets held by the rest of the Department, the 10 most valuable immoveable assets for the Forestry Commission and British Waterways are shown separately.
	Moveable assets:
	
		£
		
			 Item Owned by: Value 
		
		
			 Research vessel (Endeavour) Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) 25,963,000 
			 IT Software—RPA Change Programme Rural Payments Agency 10,093,135 
			 RIMNET IT software Core Defra 7,733,333 
			 Animal Movement Licensing Scheme (AMLS) Database IT software Core Defra 5,179,815 
			 AATSR Environmental Satellite Core Defra 5,143,399 
			 National Scrapie Plan IT software Core Defra 5,132,416 
			 Emissions Trading Register IT software Core Defra 2,243,856 
			 CTS Platform IT software Core Defra 1,770,128 
			 LVI E-Business IT software Core Defra 1,704,565 
			 Plant and Equipment (Pumps etc)—SCADA Phase 3 British Waterways 1,482,966 
		
	
	Immoveable assets:
	
		(i) Core Defra and sponsored bodies (excluding the Forestry Commission and British Waterways)
		
			 £ 
			 Item Owned by Value 
		
		
			 Thames Barrier Environment Agency 1,120,905,685 
			 Land, buildings and laboratories at Woodham lane, Weybridge Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) 157,900,000 
			 Land, buildings and laboratories at Sand Mutton, York Central Science Laboratory (CSL) 134,721,000 
			 Land and buildings at Kew(31) Royal Botanic Gardens 54,000,000 
			 Land and buildings at Wakehurst(31) Royal Botanic Gardens 27,000,000 
			 Drayton Experimental Husbandry Farm, Stratford Core Defra 24,945,000 
			 Barking Barrier Environment Agency 16,625,154 
			 Land and buildings at Epsom Road, Guildford Core Defra 15,000,000 
			 Holehaven Barrier and Plant Environment Agency 14,417,169 
			 Weymouth Laboratory CEFAS 13,771,000 
		
	
	(31) As allowed by the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), the Royal Botanic Gardens only value land and buildings on the balance sheet that are used for fundraising or administration purposes or which have been built/restored since the SORP was revised in 2000.
	
		(ii) The Forestry Commission woodlands
		
			 £ 
			 Item Value 
		
		
			 Kielder Forest 79,570,923 
			 New Forest East 13,469,775 
			 Forest of Dean 13,027,350 
			 New Forest North 12,030,747 
			 New Forest West 10,389,039 
			 Wykeham Dalby 10,183,872 
			 Thetford South 9,478,840 
			 Thetford North 9,366,320 
			 New Forest South 7,075,221 
			 Hamsterley 4,839,984 
		
	
	
		(iii) British Waterways property
		
			 £ 
			 Item Value 
		
		
			 North Wharf Road, Paddington Basin, London [offices, residential] 40,700,000 
			 Wood Wharf Business Park, London Docklands 38,200,000 
			 The Interchange, Camden Town, London [warehouse] 21,500,000 
			 Commerce Road, Brentford [warehouses and offices] 12,000,000 
			 Cavendish House, Stockton-on-Tees 10,900,000 
			 West Ferry Printers Site, London Docklands 9,900,000 
			 Industrial premises at Rotton Park Street, Birmingham 9,500,000 
			 Willow Grange, Watford [office building] 8,200,000 
			 Gloucester Quays Re-Development site, Gloucester 7,200,000 
			 Castle Wharf, Nottingham [city centre waterside property] 7,000,000

Farm Subsidies

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farmers have applied for entry to the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

Jim Knight: holding answer 21 November 2005
	As at 14 November, the Rural Development Service had received 423 applications for Higher Level Stewardship agreements.

Milk

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will discuss with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry referring the difference between the retail and farm-gate price of milk to the Office of Fair Trading; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: As I noted in my oral answer to the hon. Member for Torridge and West Devon (Mr. Cox) on 20 October 2005, Official Report, column 977, I have been discussing issues relating to competition in the dairy sector and the concerns of dairy farmers with the Department of Trade and Industry. My noble Friend Lord Bach, the Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, and I will be continuing those discussions when we meet with my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs later in the year. However, except in limited exceptional circumstances, responsibility for deciding whether to carry out market studies or investigations, or to investigate alleged breaches of competition law, rests with the Office of Fair Trading, which is an independent statutory body.

Modulation

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the rate of modulation will be in each year after 2006.

Jim Knight: holding answer 21 November 2005
	Under current EU legislation, the rate for compulsory modulation to be applied across the EU-15 agreed as part of the 2003 CAP reforms is 4 per cent. in 2006, rising to 5 per cent. in each of the years from 2007 to 2012. The European Commission has recently suggested, in the context of the EU future financing negotiations, an increase in that rate of compulsory modulation.
	In addition to this, the UK countries apply additional national modulation, which for England is 6 per cent. in 2006. It is likely that the rate in England will rise in future years, in order to provide part of the funding for Environmental Stewardship. However, the rate of any additional national modulation will depend on the outcome of the EU future financing negotiations for the period 2007–13. The UK is pressing to ensure the principle of additional national modulation is available to member states in the next budget period.

Racehorses

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether racehorses have been deemed to be commercial animals for the purposes of regulations governing burial of animals.

Margaret Beckett: The disposal of animal carcases and other animal by-products is governed by Regulation (EC) 1774/2002. The regulation bans burial as a disposal route for animal by-products. A derogation exists within the regulation that permits the burial of pet animals only to continue. However in our view a racehorse is clearly a working commercial animal and not a pet.

Tenant Farmers

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what she expects to implement the recommendations of the Tenancy Reform Industry Group Report; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: holding answer 21 November 2005
	The legislative recommendations of the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG) have been incorporated into a draft regulatory reform order (RRO) which is being finalised. We are aiming to lay the RRO before Parliament early in the new year with the intention that, (if the proposals are accepted), the new legislation would come into force in June 2006.
	TRIG also recommended a code of good practice on diversification within agricultural tenancies, and this was published in September 2004. An adjudication scheme to back up the code is expected to be in place before Christmas.
	The Government have also implemented other recommendations of TRIG, including an advice pack for farmers and research on tenant farmer retirement.

Tenant Farmers

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the (a) extent and (b) effect of new agricultural tenancy agreements designed to take entitlement to single farm payments away from tenant farmers at the end of those agreements for less than the fair compensation specified within the Tenancy Reform Industry Group's code of practice.

Jim Knight: holding answer 21 November 2005
	DEFRA maintains close relationship with the industry organisations represented on the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG), in particular the Tenant Farmers Association, National Farmers Union and the Country Land and Business Association. Feedback from members of the Group, and other sources, suggests that TRIG guidance notes to aid tenants and landlords on CAP reform" has proved effective, in the majority of cases, in helping both parties reach amicable arrangements in respect of the new Single Payment Scheme, but there have also been reports of arrangements which have left one party or the other feeling aggrieved.
	Coventry university is currently undertaking research on behalf of DEFRA, on the impacts of CAP reform on the diversification activities of tenant farmers in England. While the research is intended primarily to focus on the effect of CAP reform in opening up opportunities for farm diversification by tenant farmers, the specification for the project also covers investigation of the wider impact of CAP reform on the landlord/tenant relationship.

Wild Birds (Imports)

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how live wild bird commercial imports, which are to be banned, will be distinguished by inspectors from live wild bird pet imports that are being restricted.

Margaret Beckett: Wild bird pet imports can be distinguished from wild bird commercial imports by inspectors because of the following requirements for wild bird pet imports brought into effect by Commission Decision 2005/759/EC:
	pet birds must be accompanied by a declaration by the owner, or representative of the owner, which says that the animals are not intended for commercial purposes;
	pet birds must be accompanied by the owner or a representative; and
	a consignment of pet birds may only consist of less than five birds.

TRANSPORT

Buses

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) disabled people and (b) young people used buses in England in 2004–05; and if he will make a statement.

Karen Buck: Data on bus use by disabled people are not available. Data from the National Travel Survey on trips per person per year by local bus in 2004 for people up to the age of 20 are given in the table as follows.
	
		Average number of bus trips per person per year, 2004
		
			 Age Trips per person per year 
		
		
			 0–10 years 30 
			 11–16 years 116 
			 17–20 years 138

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency on advertising at the Argentina versus England football match held in Geneva on 12 November.

Stephen Ladyman: This advertisement was part of a continuing campaign to improve the accuracy of DVLA's records by encouraging the public to notify changes in details. The advertisement cost £45,000 for five minutes exposure. The estimated television audience was in excess of 10 million.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate he has made of the greenhouse gas emissions per distance travelled of passenger trains operating in the United Kingdom.

Derek Twigg: Greenhouse gas emissions from trains vary significantly according to their size, power requirements and whether they are diesel or electric. The following table provides estimates of CO 2 emissions for average diesel, electric and UK trains in terms of emissions per passenger kilometre assuming average passenger loads:
	
		
			  CO 2  emissions per passenger km (g/km) 
		
		
			 Fleet average—diesel 41 
			 Fleet average—electric 56 
			 Average UK—electric and diesel combined 49

Local Transport Plans

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the major schemes (a) proposed and (b) approved under the second round of local transport plans; what the expected cost was of each scheme, including expected central government funding; and what estimate has been made of future levels of (i) traffic and (ii) carbon dioxide emissions under each scheme.

Karen Buck: The major schemes that are proposed in the second round of local transport plans fall into two categories. There are those for which we received Major Scheme Business Cases in July 2005 which contain detailed proposals, including costs. The remainder are those that authorities have indicated that they will be developing over the next few years for which there are fewer details.
	The schemes for which we have business cases are set out in the table. Both the estimated total cost and the Department's contribution have been rounded to the nearest million.
	
		
			 Local authority Scheme name Estimated total cost (£ million) Estimated DfT contribution (£ million) 
		
		
			 Milton Keynes Bletchley Link 10 9 
			 Brighton and Hove Rapid Transit System 22 20 
			 Warwickshire SPARK 15 13 
			 Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Railway Station 20 7 
			 Sandwell / Dudley Burnt Tree junction A4123/A461 10 10 
			 Walsall Brownhills Transport Package 21 19 
			 Nexus (Tyne and Wear PTE) Washington to Gateshead Bus Corridor 7 5 
			 Sunderland Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor 69 69 
			 Nottinghamshire Mansfield Bus Station 8 8 
			 Doncaster Finningley and Rossington Route Scheme 158 93 
			 Rotherham Waverley Link Road 8 8 
			 West Yorkshire PTE Wakefield Westgate Station 7 7 
			 Kirklees Highways Strengthening and Bridge Maintenance 15 15 
			 Bristol Greater Bristol Bus Network 69 42 
			 Gloucestershire Gloucester Parkway Elmbridge Court 27 19 
			 Somerset Taunton Third Way and Northern Inner Distributor Road 27 14 
			 Suffolk Ipswich Town Centre Improvements 15 15 
			 Norfolk A140 Long Stratton Bypass 27 27 
			 Herefordshire Rotherwas Access Road 10 6 
			 Sandwell A41 Expressway/A4031 All Saints Way 20 20 
			 Northamptonshire A509 Isham to Wellingborough Improvement 14 14 
			 East Riding Beverley Integrated Transport Plan 28 24 
			 Nottinghamshire Pleasley Bypass Extension 17 17 
			 Bridlington Bridlington Integrated Transport Scheme 4 4 
			 Essex Thames Gateway A13/A130 71 71 
			 Lancashire Heysham to M6 Link Road 88 86 
			 Blackpool Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramway upgrade 96 72 
			 Durham East Durham Link Road 10 10 
			 York Haxby Station 4 3 
			 Middlesbrough A66 Middlesbrough 0 2 
			 Leicestershire A47 Earl Shilton Bypass 15 14 
			 Greater Manchester Greater Manchester Urban Traffic Control 14 14 
			 South East Dorset Canford Bridge 3 3 
		
	
	Decisions on these schemes will be taken in the spring of 2006, following the receipt of the advice from the regions on transport priorities.
	These major schemes are being considered by the Department and are subject to economic appraisal using the NATA methodology which looks at both traffic and emissions. However, neither carbon dioxide nor traffic levels are always explicitly identified as part of the appraisal, so it would not be possible to identify these elements for all schemes.
	In terms of the other schemes in the second round of local transport plans, these range from specific proposals to descriptions of the problem that needs to be addressed. A list of the named proposals has been placed in the Libraries of the House. This list is not exhaustive and other proposals may be presented to the Department in the period.
	We are unable to provide the estimated total cost or the Department's contribution at this stage as these proposals have not yet been formally submitted to the Department. No decisions have been taken on these schemes.

Pedicabs

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what steps he intends to take to address issues raised by the operation of pedicabs;
	(2)  if he will bring forward amendments to the Road Safety Bill [Lords] to regulate the operation of pedicabs; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  if he will discuss with (a) Transport for London, (b) the Association of London Government, (c) the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association and (d) other interested parties the operation of pedicabs.

Karen Buck: Transport for London has made clear its intention to bring forward proposals for a licensing regime for pedicabs in London which they hope to have in place by next autumn. I look forward to these proposals.
	The Department is very willing to hold further meetings with interested parties but Transport for London are in the lead on the introduction of a licensing regime.

Picnic/Rest Areas

Alan Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many picnic and rest areas have been available for public use per mile of motorway in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: holding answer 22 November 2005
	In 1996, there were 52 motorway service areas in England; the equivalent of one for each 53.26km of motorway. Since then 16 further sites, listed in the table, have been added to the network increasing the frequency to one for each 43.38 km of motorway.
	
		
			  Motorway Service area 
		
		
			 1997 M20 Maidstone 
			 1998 M40 Oxford 
			  M56 Chester 
			 1999 M1 Tibshelf 
			  M1 Donnington Park 
			  M5 Cullompton (north bound) 
			  M6 Stafford (south bound) 
			  M42 Hopwood Park 
			  M5 Bridgewater 
			 2000 A1(M) Doncaster North 
			 2001 A1(M) Peterborough 
			  A14/M11 Cambridge 
			  A1(M) Baldock 
			  M3 Winchester 
			 2003 M54 Castle Farm (Telford) 
			 2004 M6(Toll) Norton Canes

Railways

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much Government funding the rail infrastructure in East Sussex has received in each year since 1997; and what the projected funding is for the next 10 years.

Derek Twigg: The Department does not hold information on Government spending and investment on rail at a regional level. This is primarily because franchise areas often encompass two or more regions and Network Rail is structured on a route by route basis which also serves more than one region.
	The Secretary of State made a statement to Parliament on 10 February 2005, Official Report, columns 93–96WS, setting out Government spending plans for rail as a whole to 2008–09.

Railways

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much public subsidy First Great Western Trains Ltd. has received in each year since 1997; how much has been awarded against the company in penalties in each year; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: Great Western Trains Company Limited has received the cash subsidy and penalties set out in the following table for the years ending 31 March.
	
		 million
		
			  Subsidy Penalty 
		
		
			 1997 61.9  
			 1998 58.9  
			 1999 53.3 (2.5) 
			 2000 48.6 (2.2) 
			 2001 42.8 (2.0) 
			 2002 27.6 (5.4) 
			 2003 8.7 (2.6) 
			 2004 16.1 (2.0) 
			 2005 (17.6) (1.1)

Railways

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much compensation was paid to passengers for poor services by train operating companies in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000, (e) 2001, (f) 2002, (g) 2003 and (h) 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: The Department for Transport does not hold this information, which is a matter for the train operating companies.

Railways

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the statutory powers that enable the Government to provide compensation for train operating companies involved in industrial disputes.

Derek Twigg: The Secretary of State's power to enter into Franchise Agreements is contained in Section 23 of the 1993 Railways Act. The power to reimburse net losses of the Franchise Operator due to industrial action is contained within individual Franchise Agreements. This power is entirely discretionary and in order to exercise it, the Secretary of State must be satisfied that the Franchise Operator has taken all reasonable steps to prevent industrial action as well as mitigating its effects.

Railways

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many rail carriages were (a) in operation and (b) replaced in the United Kingdom in each year between 1994 and 2004.

Derek Twigg: It is not possible to provide this information on a year-by-year basis between 1994 and 2004. The number of vehicles, on lease at the sale of the Rolling Stock Leasing Companies recorded in the invitation to tender in March 1995, was 10,401 vehicles. The number of vehicles on lease now is approximately 11,000 vehicles. This includes additional vehicles required for growth which were included as replacement for Mark 1 stock on the Southern TOCs and additional rolling stock which has been required to reflect increases in passenger numbers. The number of new vehicles which have been ordered and entered service are set out as follows:
	
		
			  New vehicles entering service 
		
		
			 1996 0 
			 1997 0 
			 1998 20 
			 1999 153 
			 2000 229 
			 2001 602 
			 2002 619 
			 2003 658 
			 2004 1,282 
			 2005 6,471 
		
	
	(32) This is the position at Quarter 3 2005

Railways

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the use of the Waterloo International Terminal platforms for other international services once Eurostar has moved to St. Pancras in 2007.

Derek Twigg: Those representations that have been received by the Department have been in support of using the Waterloo International platforms for domestic passenger services. The Secretary of State confirmed in the House on 11 October 2005, Official Report, column 150, that the Waterloo International platforms would be retained for domestic passenger use once Eurostar services have moved to St. Pancras.

Railways

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) regulations and (b) advice (i) his Department and (ii) regulatory bodies within his Department's responsibility have issued to passenger train operators regarding the efficiency of passenger trains in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Derek Twigg: Neither the Department nor the regulatory bodies for which it is responsible have issued any regulations or advice regarding train efficiency to passenger train operators. The Department funds a research programme run by the Rail Safety and Standards Board, in which the Association of Train Operating Companies is actively engaged, which is considering possible ways of reducing the environmental impact of trains. The Department is also co-ordinating the procurement of the replacement of the Intercity 125 High Speed Train and is placing significant emphasis on ensuring fuel efficiency by the replacement.

TREASURY

Pensions

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the cost of harmonising tax regimes for defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes on A-day next year for (a) each of the next five years, (b) 2020 and (c) 2030;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the impact on costs of applying the tax regime for defined benefit pension schemes to defined contribution schemes.

Des Browne: Pension Tax Simplification, which takes effect from 6 April 2006, replaces the numerous existing complex tax regimes with a single universal regime for tax-privileged pension savings that covers both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. This new regime will provide greater flexibility to some 15 million pension savers and redresses the current anomalies between defined benefit and defined contribution schemes in the level of contributions that can be made and what benefits can be taken. It is not correct to assume that we have harmonised both towards the tax treatment of either defined contribution or defined benefit; and we can not provide an estimate for the exchequer cost of such a policy.
	The broad estimates for the exchequer costs of pension simplification over the first three years were given in paragraph 48 of the Regulatory Impact Assessment published in December 2003, which is available in the House of Common Library and the HMRC website at this address: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ria/simplifying-pensions.pdf

Pensions

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of tax relief paid on contributions to public sector pension schemes for (a) 200304, (b) 200405, (c) 200506, (d) 200607, (e) 2010, (f) 2020 and (g) 2030.

Des Browne: Latest estimates of cost of tax relief on contributions to occupational pension schemes are included in Table 7.9 of the HMRC website:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/pensions/7_9_sep05.pdf
	The cost of tax relief on contributions to public sector schemes is not
	estimated separately from other occupational schemes.

Pensions

David Willetts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 8 November 2005, Official Report, column 330W, on pensions, what the estimated proportion was of the benefit payments from unfunded public sector pension schemes in (a) 2013 and (b) at subsequent five yearly intervals relating to members who will join the scheme after April 2006.

Des Browne: The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Public Service Agreements

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he intends to treat targets which have been partly met for the purposes of measuring performance against 2004 public service agreement target number nine.

Des Browne: Information on use of partly met and other measurement and definitions used for this target are set out in the published technical note, available at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/documents/public_spending_ and_services/publicservice_performance/pss_perf_technote.cfm

Public Service Agreements

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  whether the data required to measure 2004 public service agreement target number 8 are published;
	(2)  what specific targets have been set for the purposes of measuring performance against 2004 public service agreement target number 8.

Des Browne: I refer the hon. Member to the technical notes for the PSA targets, which set out details about measurement issues.

Public Service Agreements

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect the change in the Treasury's assessment of the start and finish of the current economic cycle has had on measuring achievement against 2004 PSA target (a) 1 and (b) 4.

Des Browne: The Treasury will report against these targets in the forthcoming autumn performance report.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to ensure that action to recover a tax credit debt when a couple split up and there is no ongoing award does not fall only on the member of the couple with continuing care of the child.

Des Browne: This is already the case. code of practice 26 What happens if we have paid you too much tax credit? sets out what happens where an award has ceased following the break-up of a couple and there remains an overpayment to be repaid.

Tax Credits

Vera Baird: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria are used to determine the level of weekly instalments for the repayment of overpaid tax credits.

Des Browne: Code of Practice 26 What happens if we have paid you too much tax credit?, sets out the maximum amounts by which the tax credits office will reduce payments to recover overpaid tax credits from a previous year.
	For ceased tax credits awards, recovery can be made over a 12 month period. Alternatively, a repayment plan may be agreed with HMRC's debt management and banking and the factors that will be taken into account are published in the COP26.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Consumer Credit Directive

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Department has conducted cost impact assessments in relation to the proposed EU consumer credit directive.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Department of Trade and Industry produced a partial regulatory impact assessment on the European Commission's October 2004 proposal for a consumer credit directive as part of its consultation on the proposed directive published on 25 February this year (http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/consultpdf/creditdircondoc.pdf). Copies of the consultation document and a summary of responses (http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/consultpdf/creditdirresponse.pdf) have been deposited in the Libraries of the House. The Department will update its impact assessment in the light of the Commission's modified proposal, adopted on 7 October, and input from stakeholders.

Departmental Staff

John Maples: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who the Director of Estates and Facility is in his Department; what relevant specialist qualifications he or she holds; and what the details are of his or her career to date.

Alan Johnson: The Director of Estates and Accommodation for the DTI HQ estate is Mike Rainsford. Mr. Rainsford is a chartered engineer, a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management. Mr. Rainsford worked for an international firm of consulting engineers before joining the civil service in 1987. Since then he has worked in a number of Departments, most recently the Department of Health where he held similar responsibilities from 1996 to 2003.

EU Directives

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment the Government have made of the impact on costs of the (a) removal of the UK opt-out from various aspects of the EU Working Time Directive, (b) Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals Regulation and (c) proposed EU Directive on agency and temporary workers; and if he will place of copy of the assessments in the Library.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Regarding the removal of the UK opt-out from various aspects of the EU Working Time Directive, the Government have conducted a number of regulatory impact assessments on the Working Time Regulations and their subsequent amendments. The initial introduction of the Working Time Regulations was estimated to cost 10 million a year in annually recurring implementation costs and around a 2 billion annual cost to employers. Subsequent regulatory impact assessments have estimated the costs of the various amendments to the original regulations, all being significantly less than the original introduction costs.
	Regarding the European Commission's proposed Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH), the Government commissioned an impact assessment which estimated the direct costs of REACH on UK industry to be 515 million over 11 years. This impact assessment was published on 30 March 2004 as part of a Defra public consultation paper on REACH.
	The Government subsequently commissioned a further assessment to look at the indirect costs of REACH through supply chains. This assessment was published on Defra's website in October 2005. The assessment concluded that industry is likely to be able to absorb the majority of the costs of REACH without significant impact on the competitiveness, location or market structure in the UK. However, in the case of a substance being withdrawn due to the failure of manufacturers or importers to support it through REACH, significant industry barriers may result in unexpected impacts (even where substitutes already exist).
	The Government have drawn on the results of these impact assessments to identify improvements to REACH to ensure that it meets its objectives of delivering better protection for human health and the environment while not undermining competitiveness or hindering innovation.
	Regarding the proposed EU Directive on agency and temporary workers, the Department of Trade and Industry published the final regulatory impact assessment on its website in April 2002. The regulatory impact assessment estimated direct costs to agencies and user enterprises to be in the region of 330 million to 596 million per year.
	All regulatory impact assessments are placed in the Libraries of the House when the relevant Bill is laid in Parliament.

Hairdressers Registration Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the operation of the Hairdressers Registration Act 1964.

Alun Michael: The 1964 Hairdressers Registration Act created the Hairdressing Council (HC) to establish and maintain a register of qualified hairdressers, its work is a matter for the council itself.

Manufacturing

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment he has made of the manufacturing industry in Northamptonshire.

Alun Michael: The manufacturing industry in Northamptonshire was comprehensively assessed most recently as part of the Northamptonshire Integrated Local Employment Strategy (NILES). This was work undertaken on behalf of local partners by the Economic Development Arm of Northamptonshire county council and financed by the Council of Europe's European Social Fund. This found that Northamptonshire is characterised by a relative over-representation in employment in manufacturing with over 20 per cent. of employment being within that sector. It also found that the county was dependent on declining traditional manufacturing but that it was now attracting new higher level manufacturing with proposals for science and technology realms at the forefront of this drive.
	In addition the Northamptonshire Chamber and Business Link continue to undertake regular Quarterly Economic Surveys. Their findings for the quarter ending September 2005 for the sector show the following results in relation to sales and business confidence:
	For businesses involved in the UK market, excluding seasonal variations, over the past three months:
	(a) In general sales/custom/bookings have either increased or remained constant.
	(b) In general orders/advance custom/bookings have either increased or remained constant.
	For businesses involved in overseas markets, excluding seasonal variations, over the past three months:
	(a) The majority reported that overseas sales/custom/bookings have remained constant.
	(b) The majority reported that overseas orders/advance custom/bookings have remained constant.
	Business confidence:
	(a) 65 per cent. believe 'Turnover' will improve over the next 12 months.
	(b) 50 per cent. believe 'Profitability' will improve over the next 12 months.
	A further survey carried out for the Chamber by the organisation 'Matters of Fact' and based on the latest figures from the Annual Business Inquiry 2003 show a continuing decline in the county's manufacturing base. Manufacturing businesses accounted for 10.3 per cent. of all businesses in 2001, and 10 per cent. in 2002 but this has fallen to 9.5 per cent. in 2003.
	In terms of employment, its role remains significant with manufacturing businesses accounting for the biggest share19.1 per cent.of county employment. Within the sector the research also shows that the food and drink sector has become by far the most significant area of manufacturing in Northamptonshire in employment terms.

Obesity

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  if he will assess the likely impact of obesity on productivity in (a) the next 12 months and (b) the next 10 years;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the impact of obesity on productivity in the UK in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Caroline Flint: I have been asked to reply.
	In its report of 10 May 2004, The House of Commons Health Committee estimated that lost production through obesity related time off work was running at an annual rate of 1.3 billion to 1.45 billion. This estimate is an update of a National Audit Office Report, Tackling Obesity in England published in 2001, which puts this figure at 1.3 billion in 1998. In addition, there will be production losses through inability to work associated with illness brought on by obesity.
	Obesity is on a rising trend. The National Audit Office predicts that by 2010 prevalence will have risen to 26 per cent. to 28 per cent. of the adult population. It is likely that the impact on productivity will increase in step but no quantified forecast has been made of the prevalence of obesity or of its productivity effects.

Pirate Radio Stations

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met Ofcom to discuss the change in the number of pirate radio stations.

Alun Michael: I have had no such discussions and the subject has not been raised with me by anybody since I took on my current responsibilities. Enforcement of legislation to control illegal radio broadcasting is the responsibility of the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Ofcom is the independent regulator for the communications sector, deriving its main powers and duties directly from statute rather than by delegation from the Secretary of State, and accountable to Parliament in its own right. Accordingly, I have had no discussions with Ofcom on this matter.

Post Office

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which objectives from the Counter Revolution Report published in 2000 the Government has achieved.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 21 November 2005
	The Government accepted and implemented all of the PIU report recommendations. We continue to work with Post Office Ltd and stakeholders to deliver the PIU vision of a modern network meeting changing consumer needs.

Post Office

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices have run out of cash to pay benefits in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 21 November 2005
	This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. (POL) and the chief executive has been asked to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Office

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  how many post offices have closed in East Anglia since 2001; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many post offices have closed in each of the last five years, broken down by region; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd (POL). I have therefore asked the chief executive of POL to provide a direct reply to the hon. Member.

Regional Development Agencies

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many staff each Regional Development Agency employs; what the total salary bill was of each agency in the last year for which figures are available; what the average salary per employee was in each region; and what the average staff salary per thousand head of population was in each region.

Alun Michael: holding answer 21 November 2005
	The following information is set out according to the RDA's annual reports for year ending 31 March 2004.
	
		
			  Number of staff Total salary bill (000) Average salary Mid year population estimate for 20041 Proportion of staff salary per 1,000 head of population () 
		
		
			 AWM 308 14,901 48,380 5,334,000 2,794 
			 EEDA 159 7,403 46,560 5,491,300 1,348 
			 EMDA 210 7,352 35,010 4,279,700 1,718 
			 LDA 303 12,196 40,251 7,429,200 1,642 
			 NWDA 377 16,125 42,772 6,827,200 2,362 
			 ONE 376 13,147 34,965 2,545,100 5,166 
			 SEEDA 335 13,391 39,973 8,110,200 1,651 
			 SWRDA 259 9,720 37,529 5,038,200 1,929 
			 YF 351 12,989 37,006 5,038,800 2,578 
		
	
	(33) Source: Mid-year Population Estimates: Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Royal Family

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which members of the Royal Family have taken part in trade visits to other countries in each of the last five years.

Ian Pearson: The following members of the Royal Family have taken part in trade visits:
	2000
	The Duke of KentJapan and China
	The Duke of Gloucester and Nigeria
	2001
	The Duke of YorkKorea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, USA, Germany, Luxembourg, Ireland, Bulgaria, UAE, Oman and Kuwait
	The Duke of GloucesterArgentina
	2002
	The Duke of YorkGermany, Switzerland, South Africa, USA, France, Japan
	The Duke of GloucesterSingapore
	2003
	The Duke of YorkGreece, France, Poland and Czechoslovakia, USA and the Middle East
	The Duke of GloucesterPanama
	2004
	The Duke of YorkItaly, Spain, Morocco, Middle East, China, Turkey, Sweden, Russia, USA, South East Asia, Italy and Switzerland
	2005
	The Duke of YorkMiddle East, Japan, Azerbaijan, Germany, France, Hungary, Slovakia and Korea.

Royal Family

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list each visit promoting UK business and onward investment undertaken by members of the Royal Family in each of the last five years; and what the total cost of each visit was broken down by (a) travel costs, (b) accommodation costs and (c) other costs.

Ian Pearson: We are unable to answer this question on the grounds of disproportionate costs.

Silent Telephone Calls

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in what circumstances those making silent telephone calls will not be subject to action from Ofcom following Ofcom's publication of a new policy on silent calls.

Alun Michael: The matter raised is the responsibility of the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Ofcom is the independent regulator for the communications sector, deriving its main powers and duties directly from statute rather than by delegation from the Secretary of State, and accountable to Parliament in its own right. Accordingly, my officials have asked the chief executive of Ofcom to respond directly to the hon. Member and to send me a copy of his response. Copies of the chief executive's letter will also be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Telephone Preference Service

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  how many companies have been subject to successful enforcement orders as a result of investigations into potential breaches of the Telephone Preference Service arrangements imposed by the Information Commissioner in each year since 1999;
	(2)  what the level of fines imposed on each of the companies which have been subject to enforcement orders for breaches of the telephone preference service arrangements was in each year since 1999.

Alun Michael: The Information Commissioner initially warns companies informally that it will initiate formal action unless they cease to make calls to registered numbers with the Telephone Preference Service. The Commissioner tells me that this approach has been effective to date without the need for formal action, but that he will have no hesitation in using the powers of his office if there is any evidence of a failure to comply with a warning.

Telephone Preference Service

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures Ofcom undertook to ensure that no conflict of interest arose from awarding the contract for Telephone Preference Services to Telephone Preference Services Ltd.; and if he will make a statement.

Alun Michael: The matter raised is the responsibility of the Office of Communications (Ofcom). Ofcom is the independent regulator for the communications sector, deriving its main powers and duties directly from statute rather than by delegation from the Secretary of State, and accountable to Parliament in its own right. Accordingly, my officials have asked the chief executive of Ofcom to respond directly to the hon. Member and to send me a copy of his response. Copies of the chief executive's letter will also be placed in the Libraries of House.

Unofficial Strikes

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's policy is on unofficial strikes.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Whereas employees should be free to withdraw their labour, the Government consider that, in order to avoid disorderly industrial relations, the legal framework should encourage official over unofficial industrial action. As a result, the protection against dismissal for employees taking official, lawfully organised industrial action is significantly greater than for those taking unofficial action.

DEFENCE

Aldermaston Weapons Establishment

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what proportion of spending on the Aldermaston Weapons Establishment has been on (a) UK subsidiary companies of US corporations and (b) US corporations in each year since 1997;
	(2)  what percentage of capital equipment purchased for the Aldermaston Weapons Establishment has been purchased in the US in each year since 1997;

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent at Aldermaston in each of the last three years; how much was paid to (a) in-house services, (b) UK-owned companies, (c) US-owned and subsidiary companies and (d) other companies; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: For details of expenditure at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in the last three years, I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Mr. Salmond) and my hon. Friend the Member for Islington North (Mr. Corbyn) on 10 October 2005, Official Report, column 15W.
	AWE is a Government Owned Contractor Operated ('GOCO') establishment. The contract for the management and operation of AWE sites is with AWE Management Limited, and it is to this company that the Ministry of Defence makes payment against agreed milestones and requirements. Subject to the MOD proscribed national security and value for money considerations. It is for the contractor to price, place, manage and make payments against subcontracts in connection with the delivery of these requirements. Accordingly, the MOD does not maintain records of payments in the form requested.

Aldermaston Weapons Establishment

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 3 November 2005, Official Report, column 1259W, on AWE Aldermaston, what further plans he has for additional funding for AWE Aldermaston.

John Reid: No decisions are required at present on the level of investment at AWE Aldermaston beyond financial year 200708. The Defence budget for the period 200809 to 201011 will be set in Comprehensive Spending Review 2007.

Armed Services (Recruitment)

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the result was of his review of the documentation (a) setting out the rights and responsibilities of recruits to the armed services and (b) explaining the nature of commitment they are undertaking; and if he will place a copy of that documentation in the Library.

Don Touhig: There are a number of publications that highlight to prospective applicants their rights while joining or serving in the armed forces:
	Each naval service recruit signs a RN form which details the branch in which the recruit is entered, and the terms of the 'engagement'. Notice periods for voluntary discharge and grounds for compulsory discharge are listed.
	The Army are currently in the process of producing a publication aimed at parents/guardians which aims to answer concerns in relation to young recruits joining the Army. The publication is due to be available by the end of March 2006. Also, job profiles given to new recruits explain the nature of their employment group in operations.
	Twice during the inquiry/application process, RAF applicants receive a RAF form which sets out the terms and conditions of enlistment, their right to terminate their service and a statement that they may be required to serve worldwide.
	The Tri-Service AFCO Form 5, Application Form Information and Guidance Booklet, outlines the armed forces attitude towards bullying and harassment and the areas in which the service way of life differs from that of civilian society. These messages are reinforced during armed forces recruiting presentations which are open to applicants and their parents/guardians.
	These publications are kept under constant review.

Automated Signing Machines

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) he or (b) any other Minister in his Department uses (i) an automated signing machine and (ii) a stamp for ministerial correspondence purposes.

Don Touhig: No.
	Guidance on handling ministerial correspondence is set out in 'Handling Correspondence from Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, MEPs and Members of Devolved Assemblies: Guidance for Departments', copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

BAE Shipyard (Barrow)

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role the BAE shipyard at Barrow will play in (a) submarine and (b) surface shipbuilding for the Department.

Adam Ingram: The BAE Systems shipyard at Barrow will continue to play a vital role in support of Ministry of Defence's submarine build programme.
	It is open to companies which have the necessary capability and capacity to bid for surface shipbuilding work.
	MOD is working closely with industry to develop a Maritime Industrial Strategy (MIS), which will encompass the submarine, ship support and shipbuilding elements of the UK's maritime industry and will seek to identify ways of achieving greater efficiency and long-term sustainment. The MIS is part of the wider Defence Industrial Strategy, which will develop a clear joint understanding, across Government and with industry, of the key industrial capabilities that will be required by Defence in the future.

Chinook HC2

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Chinook HC2 was issued with full Military Aircraft Release.

Adam Ingram: Chinook HC2 aircraft clearances were first issued under what was then known as a Controller Aircraft Release in November 1993. The Controller Aircraft Release was re-named Military Aircraft Release in February 1999.

Decommissioning

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2005, Official Report, columns 108788W, on fixed-wing capability, what the decommissioning dates are for HMS Illustrious and HMS Ark Royal; and what the maximum period is for which they can be postponed.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 22 November 2005
	On present plans, HMS Illustrious is due to be withdrawn from service in 2012 and HMS Ark Royal in 2013. There is no pre-determined upper limit to the service life of a warship. How long a particular ship can remain in service will depend on a range of factors, including its material condition; certification for fire safety, stability and hull strength; its continued compliance with legislative requirements; and cost.

Departmental Estate

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many empty homes his Department owns; what the locations of these properties are; how many of these properties have been empty for more than six months; and how many of these properties his Department is prepared to offer to registered social landlords for short-term leases.

Don Touhig: The information requested is currently being obtained from a number of separate sources and will take time to collate. I will therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Falklands

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of maintaining the garrison in the Falklands in 2004.

Adam Ingram: The costs of maintaining the garrison in the Falklands in financial year 200405 were 113 million.

Falklands

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the South Atlantic Medal Association regarding commemorations for the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War; and if he will make a statement.

Don Touhig: My predecessor met the Chairman of the South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA 82) in February of this year and agreed in principle that the main official commemoration in the United Kingdom would be in London on Sunday 17 June 2007. Officials are engaged in further discussions with representatives of SAMA 82 and other interested organisations to develop plans. I intend to announce the detailed arrangements for the commemorations early next year.

Iraq

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers based in Northern Ireland were serving in Iraq on the latest date for which figures are available.

Adam Ingram: On 31 October 2005 there were some 50 soldiers committed to Northern Ireland but temporarily deployed in Iraq.

Iraq

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel from Shropshire are serving in Iraq.

Don Touhig: Data on the residential location of armed forces personnel are not held centrally in databases of individual records and it is therefore not possible to give figures by place of residence.

Joint Combat Aircraft

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what the target date is for bringing the first United Kingdom tranche of Joint Combat Aircraft into service;
	(2)  whether an agreement has been reached with the United States on dates by which (a) the first UK tranche and (b) subsequent UK tranches of the Joint Combat Aircraft must be purchased.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 22 November 2005
	The in service dates (ISO) for the Joint Combat Aircraft will be set at the main manufacturing investment decision point. Our current planning assumption for bringing the aircraft into service in 2014. We are negotiating the terms of the memorandum of understanding for the co-operative production, support and follow on development phase with the US and seven other nations.

Married Quarters

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's disposal targets are for married quarters estate stock in each of the next three years.

Don Touhig: The table illustrates current planned disposals of the Ministry of Defence married quarters estate for each of the next three years. Further properties are likely to be identified for disposal as part of the continual review of service families accommodation requirements and rationalisation of the estate but it is too early to say how many.
	Under a land agreement, 21 married quarters will be handed to the Gibraltar Government in 200607 and 44 in 200708. An additional 54 will be demolished during the period 2006 to 2009.
	
		
			  Number by sale (financial year) 
			 Country 200607 200708 200809 
		
		
			 England, Scotland, Wales (34)568 (35)149 (35)221 
			 Northern Ireland 0 339 0 
			 Ascension/Falkland Islands 0 0 0 
			 Cyprus 0 0 0 
		
	
	(34) Of which 488 will be handed back to Annington Homes Ltd (AHL).
	(35) AHL hand backs.

National Minimum Wage

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many employees in his Department were affected by the rise in the national minimum wage on 1 October.

Don Touhig: None.

RAF Bases

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to publish his report on airfields; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: As I explained to the hon. Member on 17 November 2005, Official Report, column 1126, the defence airfields review is taking the form of a series of business cases. Two of those have addressed the basing requirements for the Joint Combat Aircraft and the Nimrod MRA4. We intend to publish the Joint Combat Aircraft and Nimrod MRA4 basing studies on the Freedom of Information Publication Scheme shortly.

Special Advisers

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the special advisers in post in his Department, broken down by pay band; and what the total budgeted cost to his Department of special advisers is for 200506.

Don Touhig: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 16 November 2005, Official Report, column 1256W, by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning).
	Information relating to costs of special advisers for 200506 will be published after the end of the current financial year.

Warships

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2005, Official Report, column 1073W, on warships, when his Department first received notice from (a) Swan Hunter and (b) BAE Systems that further cost increases to the landing ships dock (Auxiliary) project were likely.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 21 November 2005
	Swan Hunter initially indicated to the Ministry of Defence a potential cost increase to their programme in June 2005. BAE Systems notified a likely increase in August 2005.

SCOTLAND

Departmental Skills Development Plan

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which individual is responsible for developing and implementing his Department's Skills Development Plan.

David Cairns: All the staff in the Scotland Office are on loan from the Scottish Executive or the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA).
	Each department's human resources director is responsible for ensuring that their department develops and implements a skills development plan.

Departmental Skills Development Plan

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's Skills Development Plan.

David Cairns: All the staff in the Scotland Office are on loan from the Scottish Executive or the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA).
	Copies of the DCA Departmental Skills Development Plan 200409 and the 2005 update to the plan have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
	The Lifelong Learning Strategy for Scotland was published in February 2003. It can be accessed using the following link; http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/lifelong/llsm-00.asp.
	As referred to in this document, the Scottish Executive learning strategy sets out how the Executive plan to support their people through learning. This document is available internally through the Executive's intranet.

Departmental Staff

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the 10 highest-paid employees in his Department; what the (a) job title and (b) salary including bonuses is of each; and whether the individual concerned is (i) a civil servant and (ii) a contractor in each case.

David Cairns: The salary ranges of the highest paid employees in the Scotland Office are listed in the Scotland Office Annual Report 2005. The costs of special advisers are published annually, details of which are given in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 July 2005, Official Report, columns 15862WS.
	The salary details of the other members of staff, all of whom are civil servants, are not released, as to provide this information for such a small number of staff (all of whom are below the Senior Civil Service grade) would be unfair on the grounds of their entitlement to privacy.

National Minimum Wage

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many employees in his Department were affected by the rise in the national minimum wage on 1 October.

David Cairns: All the staff in the Scotland Office are on loan from the Scottish Executive or the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA). No staff on loan to the Office were affected by the rise in the national minimum wage on 1 October 2005.

Staff Discipline

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many employees have been dismissed by his Department in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. All the staff in the Office are on loan from the Scottish Executive or the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA), who remain the principal employers. Two staff were dismissed from the Office while on loan from the Scottish Executive; one in 2001 and one in 2002.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Amateur Dramatics

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the number of people who are members of amateur dramatic organisations which receive public funding.

David Lammy: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Staff

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff in her Department were (a) civil servants, (b) contractors and (c) other staff in each year since 1997.

David Lammy: The information is as follows:
	(a) The numbers of civil servants are published in table C on Civil Service Statistics which covers permanent staff numbers (FTE basis) in each Department and Agency. Civil Service Statistics 2004 is available in the Library and on the Cabinet Office website.
	(b) This information is not held centrally and could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.
	(c) The figures are in the table:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1999 20 
			 2000 10 
			 2001 10 
			 2002 Less than 5 
			 2003 10 
			 2004 10 
			 2005 20

Gambling Act

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will take steps to enable part 3 of the Gambling Act 2005 to be brought into force as soon as possible.

Richard Caborn: We propose to bring into force part 3 of the Gambling Act 2005, including provision for the prohibition of chain-gift schemes (section 43), as soon as the Gambling Commission becomes fully operational in September 2007.

Ministerial Travel

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been spent in each year from 1 May 1997 on ministerial travel, broken down by (a) provision and running costs of vehicular transport, (b) first-class travel by rail, (c) standard class travel by rail, (d) first-class travel by air, (e) club or equivalent class travel by air and (f) economy class travel by air.

David Lammy: All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.
	(a) My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office has asked Roy Burke, chief executive of the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA) to write to the hon. Member with details of the costs of ministerial vehicles provided to Departments in 200405. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Library.
	For information for the financial years 200001 to 200304 I refer the hon. Members to the letters from the chief executive of the GCDA to the hon. Member for Buckingham (John Bercow) dated 10 January 2005 and to the then hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Howard Flight) dated 13 September 2003. Copies of these letters are available in the Library.
	(b) and (c) The detailed information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	(d) In respect of overseas travel by Ministers, since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing 500 or more during each financial year. The Government have also published on an
	annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the House. These report information for the financial years 199506 to 200405. Information for 200506 will be published as soon as it is ready after the end of the current financial year.

Ministerial Travel

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within her Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions (a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets were obtained; and if she will indicate who accompanied the Ministers on each trip.

David Lammy: All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.
	In respect of overseas travel by Ministers, since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing 500 or more during each financial year. The list indicates when non-scheduled flights were used, and shows how many officials accompanied Ministers in those circumstances. The Government have also published on an annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the House. These report information reaching back to 199596. Information for 200506 will be published after the end of the financial year.
	Between 200305 DCMS Ministers took 22 domestic flights. Information on officials accompanying Ministers and covering the period pre 2003 could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Smithfield Market

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Corporation of London on the heritage implications of plans to demolish the old Smithfield Market site.

Tessa Jowell: I have had no discussions with the Corporation of London on the heritage implications of the plans to demolish these buildings. DCMS officials liaised with the Corporation to obtain background information on the planning proposals for the site. However, such proposals cannot be taken into account in determining whether or not a building should be listed. Listing decisions are based solely on the architectural and historic merit of the buildings.

Olympic Lottery

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the likely impact on income for original lottery games as a result of the new Olympic lottery game.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 11 November 2005
	We estimate the non-Olympic good causes may receive up to 5 per cent. less in income over the period from 2005 to 2013, as a result of sales diversion to Olympic lottery games. Sales of the initial Olympic lottery game have been goodwe will monitor progress against the operator's forecast throughout the period.

Royal Regalia

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which of the (a) Crown Jewels and (b) other items of royal regalia on display at the Tower of London are in public ownership.

David Lammy: The Crown Jewels and other items of 'royal regalia' at the Tower of London are owned by Her Majesty in right of the Crown, as Sovereign, for Her successors and for the nation.

Ministerial Visits

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what ministerial visits she has undertaken since May; what the purpose was of each; and if she will make a statement.

Tessa Jowell: The answer is in the table.
	
		
			 Date of visit Where to Purpose 
		
		
			 5 June 2005 Manchester 2005 EUAFA European Women's ChampionshipEngland v Finland 
			 1011 June 2005 Zambia Next Step conference 
			 1415 June 2005 Rome Bilateral with Italian Minister 
			 18 June 2005 London Expat and ethnic minority London 2012 tour 
			 20 June 2005 Qatar To discuss Women and Sport 
			 2124 June 2005 Japan To discuss the creative economy in Japan 
			 27 June 2005 Dublin Meeting with Minister Dempsey 
			 28 June 2005 Portugal Meeting with Ministers for Culture and Youth and Sport 
			 37 July 2005 Singapore Decision on the 2012 Olympics 
			 11 July 2005 London Family Assistance Centre, set up after the 7/7 bombings 
			 12 July 2005 London Family Assistance Centre, set up after the 7/7 bombings 
			 13 July 2005 London Family Assistance Centre, set up after the 7/7 bombings 
			 14 July 2005 London Family Assistance Centre, set up after the 7/7 bombings and service in Trafalgar Square 
			 15 July 2005 London Family Assistance Centre, set up after the 7/7 bombings 
			 27 July 2005 Stratford/East Ham Visiting sites for 2012 Olympics 
			 7 August2005 Cardiff FA Community Shield Match 
			 2729 August 2005 Edinburgh Edinburgh Festival 
			 6 September 2005 London Event to mark 7 years to go to the 2012 Paralympics 
			 9 September 2005 Salford School Sports Partnershiplocal school 
			 11 September 2005 London nPower Test Match 
			 20 September 2005 Liverpool Anthony Cormley exhibition 
			 12 October 2005 Stratford, London Tour of the Olympic Park 
			 19 October 2005 Luton Visiting local families who lost relatives in the Pakistan earthquake 
			 20 October 2005 Hertford Sport facilities at Richard Hale school 
			 21 October 2005 Aberdeen Opening of the old Town House

Music Television Channels (Premium Rate Calls)

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received about music television channels which invite viewers to make a premium rate telephone call to choose a music video.

James Purnell: None.

Music Television Channels (Premium Rate Calls)

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under what regulations music television channels in the United Kingdom operate, with particular reference to music television channels that use a premium rate telephone number displayed on screen.

James Purnell: The Communications Act 2003 has put in place a framework for the regulation of independent television broadcasting by the communications regulator, Ofcom. Ofcom regulates broadcasters' output through its broadcasting code, which sets out the rules and guidance with which broadcasters must comply. Section 10 of the code deals with commercial references within programmes, including the use of premium rate numbers in programmes. Under the code, any use of premium rate numbers must comply with the code of practice issued by the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS).

Special Advisers

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the special advisers in post in her Department, broken down by pay band; and what the total budgeted cost to her Department of special advisers is for 200506.

David Lammy: Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and overall cost of special advisers and the number in each payband. For the most recent information I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 July 2005, Official Report, columns 15862WS.
	Information on the numbers of special advisers prior to 2003 was provided at regular intervals and this information will be available in the Library of the House. Information relating to costs for 200506 will be published after the end of the current financial year.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Age Discrimination (Housing)

Philip Hammond: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to prevent minimum age restriction covenants in relation to housing.

Yvette Cooper: Some local authorities set minimum age restrictions, for example on sheltered accommodation. We have no plans to prohibit such restrictions. However, local authorities do need to ensure that any restrictions do not restrict:
	access to social housing for certain categories of applicants, or
	the authority's ability to ensure that reasonable preference for social housing goes to those in the statutory reasonable preference categories.

Business Growth Incentives Scheme

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which London boroughs benefited from the Local Authorities Business Growth Incentives scheme in 200405; what steps he will take to ensure that all London boroughs have the opportunity to take part in the scheme in future years; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: All London boroughs have the potential to gain from the Local Authority Business Growth Incentives scheme which is due to make its first payments to eligible authorities in February 2006. The data needed to calculate which authorities will receive a payment under this scheme will not be available until January 2006.
	Every local authority in England and Wales is included in the scheme, which is initially scheduled to run for three years. As announced to the House in July, there will be a review of the scheme in England following its first year of operation. This review will allow us to assess the scheme's appropriateness and success for all authorities, including for the London boroughs.

Consultants

Martin Horwood: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list projects conducted for his Office by consultants in each year since 2000; what the cost was in each case; and what the total cost of employing consultants was in each year.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was formed in May 2002. This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Consultants

Martin Horwood: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps the Department takes to ensure that consultancies do not claim excessive expenses while working for his Department and its agencies.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The level of expenses paid to Consultants carrying out work on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) and its Agencies is tied to the level of the Office's subsistence rates paid to civil servants of equivalent grade.
	The ODPM's contracting process ensures that usage of the Office's subsistence rates is adhered to, by seeking all inclusive priced proposals from Suppliers. Contractor invoices are also subject to scrutiny by ODPM Officials.

Council Tax

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the Government plan to introduce primary legislation to amend the council tax system in Wales after the Lyons inquiry has reported.

Phil Woolas: The Government have no plans to introduce primary legislation to amend the council tax system in Wales.

Council Tax

Mark Hunter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister at what level he expects to cap local authorities' council tax rises in the 200607 financial year.

Phil Woolas: No decisions have been taken about capping in 200607 and beyond, but the Government will not hesitate to use its capping powers to protect council taxpayers from excessive council tax increases in future years.
	There is no excuse for excessive council tax or spending increases.

Council Tax

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what advice and guidance the Department has given to local authority IT (a) Departments and (b) suppliers in relation to the council tax revaluation in (i) England and (ii) Wales.

Phil Woolas: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has provided no advice and guidance to local authority IT departments and suppliers in the relation to the council tax revaluation in England and Wales. Guidance on recommended IT measures relating to council tax revaluation and reform in England could not usefully have been provided until the shape of any reform was clear following ministerial decisions in the light of the recommendations of the Lyons Inquiry and responses to a public consultation following from that.
	Council tax revaluation in Wales is a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government.

Council Tax

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister for how many residential properties in England the Valuation Office Agency has (a) dwelling house codes and (b) value significance codes data.

Phil Woolas: As at 3 November 2005 the Valuation Office Agency had dwelling house code data on 21,265,910 out of 22,006,884 dwellings in England. On this date there were 1,794,709 dwellings with value significant codes.

Council Tax

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether (a) the Government and (b) the Valuation Office Agency conducted analysis of the likely effects of council tax revaluation in England prior to the announcement of its postponement.

Phil Woolas: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 14 November 2005, Official Report, column 1030W.

Empty Properties

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the likely number of empty dwelling management orders to be levied per year once the system is in operation.

Yvette Cooper: We do not know how far the possible use of an empty dwelling management order (EDMO) will give property owners an incentive to resolve the situation in advance. Therefore we do not know how many EDMOs will be used in practice. However, the regulatory impact assessment on empty dwelling management orders published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in September 2004 estimates that local housing authorities would make approximately 1,000 EDMOs annually.

Fire Control Rooms

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which of the fire authorities which have responded to his Department's proposals for the provision of regional fire control rooms have signified (a) agreement and (b) disagreement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 22 November 2005
	All fire and rescue Regional Management Boards, which represent the Fire and Rescue Authorities, have written to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister indicating that they accept the proposals for regional fire control centres.

Fire Control Rooms

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister under what legal authority his Department proposes to (a) establish regional fire control rooms and (b) contract with the private sector for the provision of fire control rooms.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 22 November 2005
	There are powers in section 29 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 that provide the necessary authority. Development agreements for the construction of the new control centres were concluded using these powers. The single technology/infrastructure services procurement is being conducted under the same powers. The responsibility for operating the control centres will however remain in public sector. Each control centre will be run as a local authority company, owned by the relevant fire and rescue authorities.

Firelink Project

David Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he has commissioned a risk assessment of the Firelink project.

Jim Fitzpatrick: As required by the Office of Government Commerce good practice and Prince 2 methodology the management of the Firelink project includes detailed risk assessments and mitigation procedures. The evaluation of the competing bids also took into account risk. External assurance is provided through the Office of Government Commerce Gateway reviews. The most recent review was Gateway 3 (investment decision) conducted in October 2005.

Firelink Project

David Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place in the Library the technical requirements for the Firelink project produced by the Firelink Board.

Jim Fitzpatrick: A copy of the technical requirements for the Firelink project will be placed in the Library of the House following contract signature, which is anticipated to take place by the end of 2005.

Housing

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 14 November 2005, Official Report, columns 103738W, on housing, if he will break down the figures provided by housing type.

Phil Woolas: The answer of 14 November 2005, Official Report, columns 103738W, gave the total number of vacant dwellings in North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire. These figures, broken down by tenure type, are tabled as follows:
	
		
			  2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 
			 North East Lincolnshire  
		
		
			 Total 2,890 3,001 2,628 2,689 2,727 
			 Of which:  
			 Local authority (LA) 479 424 292 318 0 
			 Registered social landlord (RSL) 52 46 61 77 311 
			 'Other' public sector 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Private sector (non RSL) 2,359 2,531 2,275 2,294 2,416 
			   
			 North Lincolnshire  
			 Total 3,361 3,020 2,522 2,143 2,035 
			 Of which:  
			 Local authority (LA) 432 500 367 260 200 
			 Registered social landlord (RSL) 53 27 29 40 18 
			 'Other' public sector 0 74 37 62 41 
			 Private sector (non RSL) 2,876 2,419 2,089 1,781 1,776 
		
	
	Source:
	The figures for numbers of vacant dwellings given above are based on three sources: Total from ODPM's Council Tax Base 1 return; LA and 'Other' public sector from ODPM's Housing Strategy Statistical return; RSL from Housing Corporation's Regulatory Statistical Return; and the private sector is obtained by subtracting all these three separate tenure figures from the total.

National Minimum Wage

Katy Clark: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many employees in his Department were affected by the rise in the national minimum wage on 1 October.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Nonethe pay rates of all staff employed in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister are above the national minimum wage.

Non-departmental Public Bodies

David Amess: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list his Department's advisory non-departmental public bodies (a) which the Government are required to consult prior to legislative proposals and (b) whose advice the Government are required to publish.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister currently sponsors four advisory non- departmental public bodies:
	the Advisory Panel on the Beacon Scheme;
	the Advisory Panel on Standards in the Planning Inspectorate;
	the Building Regulations Advisory Committee; and
	the National Community Forum.
	For (a), the only one of these bodies that the Government are required to consult prior to the introduction of new legislation is the Building Regulations Advisory Committee for proposals on building regulations under Section 14(3) of the Building Act 1984. For (b) the Government are not required to publish advice provided by any of the bodies.

Overcrowded Housing

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when his Department plans to monitor its performance in reducing the number of families with children living in overcrowded housing as part of public service agreement 5.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) currently uses five key indicators for monitoring performance on PSA5 including the number of families with children in temporary accommodation. On this, the trend has been stabilised since September 2004, with significant reductions since 2002 in the number of families with children living in cramped bed and breakfast hotels.
	The ODPM is currently considering the way forward on addressing overcrowding including the statutory overcrowding standards.

Property Valuation

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the maximum penalties are for (a) refusing access to a valuation officer, (b) failing to give information about a house to a valuation officer and (c) giving wrong or misleading information about a house to a valuation officer.

Phil Woolas: holding answer 21 November 2005
	For council tax purposes under the Local Government Finance Act 1992:
	(a) The maximum fine for refusing access to a valuation officer who has given notice as required of the exercise of the power of entry is level 2 on the standard scale.
	(b) The maximum fine for failing to give information about a house to a valuation who has served notice as required is level 2 on the standard scale.
	(c) The maximum penalty for giving wrong or misleading information to a valuation officer who has served notice as required, is imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale, or both.
	No such fines or penalties have been invoked to date and any such fine or penalty would be imposed by the courts and not by the Valuation Office Agency.

Public Service Agreements

Philip Hammond: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will publish the full specifications of 2004 Public Service Agreement target number 4.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The target is being finalised and will be published together with a revised draft technical note shortly.

Special Advisers

John Hemming: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the special advisers in post in his Office, broken down by pay band; and what the total budgeted cost to his Department of special advisers is for 200506.

Jim Fitzpatrick: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning) on 16 November 2005, Official Report, column 1257W.
	Information relating to costs for 200506 will be published after the end of the current financial year.

WALES

Consultants/Special Advisers

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what mechanisms are in place to assess the effectiveness of consultant-led projects in his Department; what sanctions are available to penalise consultants who run unsuccessful projects; how many projects conducted by consultants were assessed as unsuccessful in each year since 2000; and what sanctions were imposed.

Peter Hain: In June 2003 the Wales Office became a separate entity within the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA). We follow DCA's guidance for the procurement and management of consultancy services. We have not assesses any projects as unsuccessful since 2000.

Consultants/Special Advisers

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps his Department takes to ensure that consultancies engaged by his Department do not claim excessive expenses.

Peter Hain: In June 2003 the Wales Office became a separate entity within the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA).
	The Wales Office uses the DCA's standard contract documentation, which sets contract terms including the payment of expenses. Where payment of expenses is considered necessary, these must be based on actuals and in line with civil service travel and subsistence rates.
	It is the responsibility of the individual contract manager to ensure that any payments of expenses are in line contract terms.

Consultants/Special Advisers

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list departmental projects conducted by consultants in each year since 2000; what the cost was in each case; and what the total cost of employing consultants was in each year.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office was established on 1 July 1999, and since then the follow projects were conducted by consultants:
	20000116,294 was spent to design the Wales Office logo and website.
	20010231,084 was spent on reviews of staff and management systems and lawyer's fees.
	20020310,758 was spent on lawyer's fees.

Consultants/Special Advisers

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) consultants and (b) special advisers were employed by his Department in each year since 1997; what the cost of each was in each year; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: The information is as follows:
	(a) The Wales Office was created in July 1999. The number and spend on consultants since then has been:
	
		
			  Number  
		
		
			 19992000 0 0 
			 200001 2 16,294 
			 200102 3 31,084 
			 200203 1 10,758 
			 200304 0 0 
			 200405 0 0 
		
	
	(b) The number and salary range of special advisers were:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Salary range: 24,349 to 48,698  
			 19992000 1 
			 200001 1 
			 200102 1 
			 200203 1 
			 200304 2 
			 200405 2

Council Tax Revaluation

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate the Valuation Office Agency has made of the number of domestic dwellings that received (a) an external inspection and (b) an internal inspection as part of the council tax revaluation in Wales.

Nick Ainger: The Valuation Office Agency has made no such estimate.

Departmental Estate

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which buildings and sites used by his Department and related agencies (a) have ceased to be used in the last year and (b) will be closed under current plans for relocation.

Peter Hain: None.

Departmental Staff

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many staff in his Office were (a) civil servants, (b) contractors and (c) other staff in each year since 1997.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office was established on 1 July 1999.
	Information relating to staffing numbers can be found in the Wales Office Annual Departmental Report 2005 section 5.7.
	This publication is available via the Wales Office website: www.walesoffice.gov.uk and from the Libraries of the House.

Departmental Staff

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the 10 highest-paid employees in his Department, broken down by (a) job title and (b) salary including bonuses; and whether the individual concerned is (i) a civil servant and (ii) a contractor in each case.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office was established on 1 July 1999.
	Information relating to staffing numbers can be found in the Wales
	Office Annual Departmental Report 2005, section 5.7. Details of individual salaries are not published save the number of senior civil service staff and salary range in the annual report at annex 5.
	These publications are available on the Wales Office website: www.walesoffice.gov.uk and from the Libraries of the House.

Departmental Staff

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to relocate staff in his Department and related agencies into London and the South East.

Peter Hain: None.

Identity Cards

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the (a) total and (b) net cost of (i) integrating the proposed identity card scheme into his Department's IT systems and (ii) the ongoing operation of the scheme within his Department.

Peter Hain: None.

Ministerial Travel

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much has been spent in each year from 1 May 1997 on ministerial travel, broken down by (a) provision and running costs of vehicular transport, (b) first-class travel by rail, (c) standard class travel by rail, (d) first-class travel by air, (e) club or equivalent class travel by air and (f) economy class travel by air.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office was established on 1 July 1999.
	All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.
	For information on (a) my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office, (Mr. Murphy) has asked Roy Burke, chief executive of the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA) to write to the hon. Member with details of the costs of ministerial vehicles provided to Departments in 200405. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Library.
	For information for the financial years 200001 to 200304, I refer the hon. Member to the letters from the chief executive of the GCDA to the hon. Member for Buckingham (John Bercow) dated 10 January 2005. Also, to the then hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Howard Flight) dated 13 September 2003. Copies of these letters are available in the Library.
	
		(b) and (c): Total ministerial rail travel costs each year since 19992000
		
			   
		
		
			 19992000 35,239 
			 200001 62,121 
			 200102 84,423 
			 200203 124,035 
			 200304 67,895 
			 200405 10,568 
		
	
	Note:
	These figures can be split between first-class and standard class, only at a disproportionate cost.
	
		(d), (e) and (f): Air travel
		
			   
		
		
			 19992000 105 
			 200001 6,851 
			 200102 5,283 
			 200203 695 
			 200304 95 
			 200405 4,366 
		
	
	Note:
	These figures can be split between different classes only at a disproportionate cost.

Staff Discipline

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many employees have been dismissed by his Department in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Peter Hain: The Wales Office has not dismissed any staff in any of the last five years.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Ability Grouping

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 8 November 2005, Official Report, column 444W, on ability grouping, on what basis it was decided to remove the requirement for Ofsted inspectors to distinguish between setting and banding by ability in the information recorded about lessons.

Jacqui Smith: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, David Bell, has written to the hon. Member and a copy of his letter has been placed in the Library.
	Letter from David Bell to Mr. Nick Gibb, dated 21 November 2005
	Parliamentary Questions 29556/29557/29558: Setting and Banding by Ability
	Your recent parliamentary questions have been referred to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, for reply.
	In sum, you asked:
	the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will revise Ofsted inspection criteria to include monitoring of the proportion of classes that are banded by ability (PQ 29556)
	the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on what basis it was decided to remove the requirement for Ofsted inspectors to distinguish between setting and banding by ability in the information recorded about lessons (PQ 29557)
	the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of lessons was recorded as banded by ability in (a) Year 7, (b) Year 8, (c) Year 9, (d) Year 10 and (e) Year 11 in secondary schools inspected by Ofsted in each year between 1995 and 2004 (PQ 29558).
	In response to Parliamentary Question 29556, Ofsted introduced a new framework and guidance for inspections under section 5 of the Education Act 2005 from September 2005. Although these will be kept under review, there are no plans to change them in the immediate future. The observation of lessons is no longer conducted in the same way as under the previous inspection regime (under section 10 of the School Inspections Act) and in Ofsted's view it would not be appropriate to ask inspectors to collect information about the proportion of classes that are grouped by ability on every section 5 inspection.
	In response to Parliamentary Question 29557, changes were made in 2003/04 so that Ofsted had information about the level of ability of groups as well as whether pupils were grouped by ability for their lessons. The information about ability levels was not previously available. To avoid over-complexity, the distinction between banding and setting was removed. In making judgements, Ofsted felt that it was not important for inspectors to know whether pupils were grouped by ability or not, rather than knowing the precise arrangements through which this was achieved. In some schools the distinction between banding and setting is blurred.
	In response to Parliamentary Question 29558, the table (see Appendix 1) includes the information you required for the years 1996/97 to 2002/03. The data were not recorded in 1995/96 and from September 2003 inspectors were not required to distinguish between setting and banding in the information they recorded about lessons.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Jacqui Smith and will be placed in the library of both Houses.
	
		Appendix 1: Percentage of banded lessons, 1996 to 2003
		
			  1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/2000 
			 Year group Total number of lessons observed Percentage of banded lessons Total number of lessons observed Percentage of banded lessons Total number of lessons observed Percentage of banded lessons Total number of lessons observed Percentage of banded lessons 
		
		
			 Year 7 27,542 6.4 16,414 8.3 22,361 5.3 17,544 4.9 
			 Year 8 27,431 8.1 16,341 9.6 21,792 6.3 16,769 6.1 
			 Year 9 27,161 7.5 16,692 9.2 23,489 6.6 18,810 6.6 
			 Year 10 24,651 3.9 17,047 5.2 24,481 4.0 18,536 3.3 
			 Year 11 38,008 3.6 17,686 4.9 24,543 3.9 18,490 3.3 
			  
			 Total year 711 144,793 5.8 84,180 7.4 116,666 5.2 90,149 4.8 
		
	
	
		
			  2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 
			 Year group Total number of lessons observed Percentage of banded lessons Total number of lessons observed Percentage of banded lessons Total number of lessons observed Percentage of banded lessons 
		
		
			 Year 7 14,011 4.9 12,532 4.6 11,257 4.5 
			 Year 8 13,416 6.1 11,552 5.1 10,255 5.5 
			 Year 9 16,117 6.5 14,388 5.5 13,152 5.9 
			 Year 10 14,802 3.7 13,212 2.7 12,073 3.1 
			 Year 11 15,108 3.2 13,812 2.5 12,982 2.8 
			
			 Total year 711 73,454 4.9 65,496 4.1 59,719 4.3 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Framework changes occurred in January 2000 and September 2003. Changes in the way groupings in lessons were recorded may mean that data are not directly comparable from periods of one framework to another.
	2. From January 2000 to July 2003, the inspection arrangements included full and short inspections. The majority of lessons observed will have been in full inspections. The most effective schools had short inspections.

Access to Learning

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what response her Department has made to the report of the National Audit Office on extending access to learning through technology; and if she will make a statement.

Phil Hope: My Department welcomes the National Audit Office's report on the Ufi and the learndirect service. Overall, the report is very positive. It points out that learndirect has been innovative and, within a few years, has become the largest educational provider of its type in the world. Ufi has an ambitious plan for working more with employers. The report also highlights that more than 1.7 million people have already used learndirect's services, many of whom would not otherwise have undertaken learning.

Adult Education

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of adult education courses on the quality of life of students; and if she will make a statement.

Phil Hope: The Government believe that the most important thing we can do to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged and excluded individuals and their families is to raise their prospects of a productive, sustainable employment. This is why the priorities for public funding of adult learning are helping individuals to attain the platform of employability represented by improved basic skills and a first full level 2 qualification. In addition, work for my Department by the centre for the wider benefits of learning shows that participation in adult learning has beneficial effects on a wide spectrum of measures which relate to the quality of life both for the individual and for society as a whole. These include smoking, exercise taken, life satisfaction, and attitudes such as race tolerance, authoritarianism, political cynicism, political interest, and voting behaviour.

Autism

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which (a) local authorities and (b) primary care trusts are making use of the autism exemplar in the disabled children's module of the National Service Framework for Children 2004.

Maria Eagle: The Government do not keep records of which local authorities and primary care trusts are using the autism exemplar which was distributed widely as part of the National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services. The exemplars included in the National Service Framework (NSF) are designed to illustrate the key themes of the NSF. It is the decision of local authorities and primary care trusts as to whether they use the exemplars. One example of the use of the exemplar is from the West Midlands Special Educational Needs Regional Partnership which is using it as part of a set of guidelines for local authorities when identifying or diagnosing Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Autism

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many copies of her Department's Early Support publication Information for Parents: Autistic spectrum disorders and related conditions have been delivered to parents since 2004.

Maria Eagle: Since this publication was published alongside other Early Support materials in June 2004, some 35,000 copies have been sent out by the Department's Publications Centre. Copies have been sent to professionals and to autism support groups, such as the National Autistic Society and the Parents' Autism Campaign for Education who helped in the writing of the booklet, to distribute to parents. Other parents have requested the booklet directly. It is not possible to say how many copies of the total distribution have gone to parents.

Belford College, Werneth

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on what criteria the decision to close Belford College in Werneth, Oldham, was based; how much notice was given to parents of learners; and what alternative provision will be made.

Bill Rammell: The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) informed Belford College on 17 October 2005 that it would terminate its contract for the provision of education and training. Pending a final decision about the College's future, the LSC has appointed a dedicated team of educational advisers, experienced in the field of complex learning difficulties and/or disabilities, to ensure appropriate alternative provision is focused for the young people affected. This team has been working with parents, Connexions and other local partners to explore appropriate options for the young people. They are now finalising the details of alternative arrangements that are intended to take effect from January 2006 for all 11 learners at the College. A further meeting with parents and the LSC is planned to take place shortly.
	The parents of the learners at the College were informed in a letter from their local LSC in week commencing 17 October that the LSC had made a decision to terminate the contract for the provision of education and training with Belford College from 31 December 2005. The LSC's original intention was to give the College notice that the contract would terminate in February 2006. Following discussion with the College, the LSC agreed to the College's request to terminate the contract on 31 December 2005. The College have since requested that his date be varied and the LSC are considering this request.
	The funding decision follows an Ofsted and Adult Learning Inspectorate inspection of Belford College in February 2004 when overall provision was judged to be inadequate. Since then Ofsted has undertaken a series of monitoring visits and an annual assessment visit to the college. The LSC is concerned about the rate of progress made by Belford College in addressing the weaknesses identified in the Inspection. In view of this, the LSC has made the difficult decision to terminate the College's contract.

Business Studies

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the provision of education about business and enterprise in schools in (a) 1997 and (b) the most recent year for which information is available; which schools offered such education in each year since 1997; what average number of hours of such education was offered to pupils of (i) primary, (ii) secondary and (iii) sixth form age groups in each year since 1997; what proportion of teachers received training in the delivery of such education in each year since 1997; and what the Government's target level of provision for such teaching is for (A) hours per week and (B) proportion of schools.

Jacqui Smith: The Department does not collect data of the type sought, nor set targets as described.
	Enterprise education is a key factor in improving future competitiveness. Following the Davies Review of 2002, in 2003 we launched Pathfinders involving 700 schools over two years, to develop the first national guidance on Enterprise Education. This was disseminated at 47 regional conferences between May and July 2005, attracting 67 per cent. of all secondary schools. Business and Enterprise Colleges came into the specialist schools programme for the first time in 2002, and in March 2005 there were 201 such specialist schools. We have allocated 60 million a year for the three academic years from September 2005 to support a new focus on enterprise education in all secondary schools.

Child Protection

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children have been placed on the child protection registers by child protection committees as a result of an allegation of Munchhausen Syndrome by Proxy in each year since 2002; and how many of those children were taken into care.

Maria Eagle: The Department for Education and Skills does not collect this information, as 'Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy' is not a recommended category for registration on child protection registers, nor is it a ground for the making of care orders under section 31 of the Children Act 1989.

Children's Diets

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the relationship between pupils' diet and (a) behaviour and (b) academic attainment.

Jacqui Smith: The Department has made no assessment of the relationship between pupils' diet, behaviour and academic attainment. However, a healthy, balanced diet is a key factor in protecting health and promoting children's proper growth and development.
	The Food Standards Agency has recently commissioned a review on diet and behaviour in school children that will scope the evidence base to assess the effect of nutrition, diet and dietary change on school children's learning and performance (i.e. on academic tests, behaviour, attendance and motivation). The final report is expected in April 2006.

Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she will reply to the letter of 10 October from the hon. Member for Walsall, North regarding a school in Walsall, North constituency.

Jacqui Smith: I responded to my hon. Friend's letter on 22 November.

Departmental Assets

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the 10 most valuable (a) movable and (b) immovable assets owned by her Department.

Maria Eagle: The most valuable assets owned by the departmental group are as follows:
	
		Movable assets (net book value as at 31 March 2005) 
		
			 Owning organisation 000 
		
		
			 Work Based Learning software (LSC) 3,127 
			 Sure Start IT system (DfES) 1,707 
			 ESF software (LSC) 1,391 
			 Bulk furniture 200304 (DfES) 1,355 
			 Bulk computers 200405 (DfES) 1,210 
			 Bulk furniture 200102 (DfES) 1,160 
			 Dual datacentre computer system, Moorfoot (DfES) 1,014 
			 Bulk furniture 200001 (DfES) 958 
			 Online systems software (LSC) 932 
			 Dual datacentre computer system, London (DfES) 871 
		
	
	
		Immovable assets (net book value as at 31 March 2005)
		
			 Owning organisation 000 
		
		
			 National College for School Leadership building (DfES) 25,660 
			 Moorfoot, Sheffield building (DfES) 13,262 
			 Castle View House, Runcorn building (DfES) 6,662 
			 National office major structural fit out works (LSC) 5,340 
			 Mowden Hall, Darlington building (DfES) 3,353 
			 Culham Estate, Oxford building (DfES) 2,104 
			 Caxton House, London capital expenditure on lease office 199899 (DfES) 1,396 
			 Bircham training centre (CITB) 1,188 
			 Greater Manchester major structural fit out works (LSC) 1,179 
			 Moorfoot, Sheffield land (DfES) 1,171 
		
	
	CITBConstruction Industry Training Board.
	DfESDepartment for Education and Skills.
	LSCLearning and Skills Council.

Departmental Procurement

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on her Department's procurement policy.

Bill Rammell: My Department's procurement policy is to secure value for money, primarily through competition, in accordance with the Government and wider legal framework.
	It is also departmental procurement policy to promote non-discriminatory competition and selection of contractors on criteria related to the economic benefits of the contract taking sustainability and diversity into account where appropriate.
	Contracts are awarded on either:
	(a) a lowest price basis which is used for very straightforward or closely specified goods and services where all other aspects for example delivery or quality, are standard across the market; or
	(b) an economically most advantageous basis using a combination of whole life cost and quality to meet our requirements. The emphasis on whole life costs means that our purchasers take account of all aspects of cost, including running and disposal costs, as well as the initial purchase price.

Education Funding

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education's letter to hon. Members of 21 October, on what criteria she based her decision to withdraw funding for courses on the basis of course length rather than subject matter; and if she will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: I wrote to hon. Members on 21 October setting out the Government's strategy for funding the further education sector in 2006/07 and 2007/08enclosing the Learning and Skill Council's document 'Priorities for Success' which explains its priorities and detailed approach. The strategy will ensure that substantial additional levels of public funding for FE and training are focused on the key priorities: embedding 1419 reforms and raising attainment of Level 2 at 19, supporting low skilled adults in acquiring basic skills and progressing from basic skills to Level 2 and above, increasing employer engagement and increasingly meeting the needs of employers, and continuing to raise standards in all areas of education and training.
	Limited public funding needs to be focused on key priority areas. For example, in supporting additional provision for 16 to 19-year-olds and continuing to provide free tuition for everyone studying literacy and numeracy skills or a first full Level 2 qualification, as well as providing free tuition for those on jobseeker's allowance or income-related benefits and their dependants. One of the measures that the LSC will be taking, to ensure those key priorities are met, is to cease funding for very short coursesbelow nine hours. Very short Skills for Life programmes should be part of larger programmes aiming towards a qualification achievement, while other very short courses appear to have limited benefits in terms of progression for learners.
	Detailed funding decisions are a matter for the Learning and Skills Council.

Education White Paper

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the White Paper Higher Standards, Better Schools for All, what additional curriculum flexibilities will be granted to trust schools.

Jacqui Smith: Trust schools will not be granted any additional freedoms and flexibilities over and above those enjoyed by all other maintained schools.
	Like all maintained schools, trust schools will be able to apply for a Power to Innovate Order, under Section 2 of the Education Act 2002, which allows the Secretary of State to lift regulatory requirements that are preventing schools from developing work focused on raising pupils' standards of achievement. The forthcoming Education Bill will include provisions to enable trusts to apply for freedoms on behalf of all of their schools.
	The national curriculum already contains flexibilities which ensure that teachers are able to take account of pupils' diverse learning needs.

Education White Paper

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what financial allocation the Department plans to make to the improvement of school transport under the provisions of the White Paper, Higher Standards, Better Schools for All.

Jacqui Smith: The White Paper proposes legislation to improve home to school travel and transport arrangements in three main respects:
	By placing a general duty on local authorities to support choice and flexibility of educational provision, to assess the travel and transport needs of all pupils, and promote safe and sustainable travel to school;
	By extending entitlement to free home to school transport for low income families (for secondary aged pupils to any one of the three nearest suitable schools, where the distance travelled is between two and six miles; and for primary aged pupils aged over eight, to their nearest school where this is more than two miles from their home); and
	By enabling a small number of local authorities to propose Pathfinder schemes to test innovative approaches to home to school transport to support school choice, reduce the distances pupils are expected to walk to school, and increase the proportion of pupils travelling by sustainable means.
	The estimated cost of the new general duty is 4 million per annum; the extension of entitlement for low income families is estimated to be 40 million per annum; and the Department will support Pathfinder schemes with 4 million pump priming and annual revenue support building up over several years to 12 million. Full costings and related assumptions will be included in the Regulatory Impact Assessment that will accompany the Bill.

Epilepsy

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what boarding capacity is available in state schools for children suffering from serious epilepsy; and what plans she has to increase such capacity.

Maria Eagle: There are currently 34 maintained boarding schools in England, educating approx 32,500 pupils of which 4,500 are boarders. Maintained boarding schools do not offer specific provision for children with epilepsy. The circumstances of each applicant with epilepsy are considered on an individual basis.
	It is for local authorities to decide the pattern of school provision in their area in meeting their duty to secure sufficient schools to meet the needs of children in their area.
	Epilepsy is a medical condition and for some children may have implications for the way they function in school. In March 2004 the Department, with the Department of Health, published Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings to provide guidance on supporting children with medical needs, sets out a clear framework within which local authorities, NHS Primary Care Trusts, schools, early years settings and families are able to work together to develop policies to ensure that children requiring medicines receive the support they need. It contains specific guidance on epilepsy.

Extracurricular Activities

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what information she collects on (a) extra-curricular activities offered and (b) the percentage of students involved in extra-curricular activities in (i) primary schools, (ii) secondary schools and (iii) sixth form colleges in (A) England, (B) London and (C) Kingston and Surbiton.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is not available on a regional or local authority basis. However, my Department recently commissioned MORI to undertake a survey of study support (out-of-school-hours learning) activities in England. This showed that over 90 per cent. of primary schools and over 98 per cent. of secondary schools currently offer some study support. The most popular activities are PE/sport, followed by music and ICT. In addition, 97 per cent. of secondary schools offer activities specifically designed to promote study skills or to help with homework and revision.

Family Fund

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much grant aid has been provided to the Family Fund by (a) the Department and (b) other public funding sources in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: The Family Fund was set up by the Government in 1973 to give practical help to families with severely disabled and seriously ill children under the age of 16. Since 1998 the charity has received separate funds from the Governments of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Amounts allocated in each of the last five years are as follows:
	
		Funding provided to the Family Fund by each Government
		
			  million 
			  England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales 
		
		
			 2001/02 20.8 1.4 2.2 2.2 
			 2002/03 21.8 1.4 2.2 2.4 
			 2003/04 22.8 1.5 2.7 2.4 
			 2004/05 22.8 1.5 2.7 2.5 
			 2005/06 22.8 1.6 2.8 2.5 
		
	
	The Family Fund provides grants direct to approximately 45,000 families per year with severely disabled children, where the family income is less than 23,000 a year. Over 90 per cent. of the Family Fund's income is paid out in grants, reflecting efficient processes and low administrative costs.
	How the grant is used will depend on the needs of the family. Examples include: family holidays for those who would otherwise not have a break, washing machines and other white goods, transport costs to help ease the burden of frequent hospital visiting and other practical support.
	The Fund also holds a database which contains records on over 150,000 families. The database represents well over half of the population of all families with a severely disabled child and is used by Government Departments and others to inform policy developments.

Family Fund

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of Family Fund grants on demand for NHS services.

Maria Eagle: No specific assessment has been made on the impact of Family Fund grants on demand for NHS services. The Family Fund was set up by the Government in 1973 to give practical help to families with severely disabled and seriously ill children under the age of 16. The Fund was established in recognition of the significant additional costs involved in caring for a severely disabled child. Grants are used to increase families' quality of life and can be used to purchase family holidays for those who would otherwise not have a break, washing machines and other white goods, transport costs to help ease the burden of frequent hospital visiting and other practical support. Family Fund grants are not intended to have any impact on demand for statutory services for families with disabled children.

Further Education

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list courses under nine hours which further education colleges offered in their initial prospectuses for 200506; and which of these she expects will be affected by the changes in funding proposed in Priorities for Success.

Bill Rammell: On 21 October 2005, I made an announcement, setting out the Government's strategic direction for the learning and skills sector for the coming period. My main purpose for doing so was to ensure the 2006/07 funding allocations process began with a clear and concise message on the principles that will underpin funding over the next two years.
	In addition, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) published 'Priorities for Success'-a document that sets out the funding strategy for the next two years in more detail. This document is available on the LSC's website.
	Although more funding will be going into the sector, we will focus funding even more strongly on key priorities of raising participation and achievement 1419 and driving down the skills deficit in the adult workforce. This will mean that less provision outside these priority areas can be supported at previous levels, and that there has to be a new balance of responsibilities between government, employers and learners to achieve this.
	The LSC are currently seeking views of its proposed funding changes for 2006/07 including the funding of very short courses. These very short learning aims (below nine guided learning hours [glh]) currently funded by the LSC fall into four groups; very short Skills for Life programmes, University for Industry (Ufl) Learn Direct programs, very short programs within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and other very short programmes.
	From 2005/06 Skills for Life courses will be incorporated into larger programmes aiming towards the achievement of qualifications and will still be funded but in a different form. University for Industry Learn Direct courses and very short learning aims accredited within the NQF will also still be funded but other very short programmes will not.
	The resource required to list all relevant courses in all 2005/06 college prospectuses would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold for answering Parliamentary questions. However, the generic names for very short programmes are listed in the four groups outlined.
	Very short Skills for Life programmes of between three and six guided learning hours- LSC propose to incorporate into larger programmes aiming towards the achievement of qualifications
	Diagnostic Test in Numeracy, 3 glh
	Short Course in Literacy, 3 glh
	Short Course in Numeracy, 3 glh
	Diagnostic Test in ESOL, 3 glh
	Short Course in ESOL, 3 glh
	Diagnostic Test in Literacy, 3 glh
	Short Course in Literacy, 6 glh
	Short Course in Numeracy, 6 glh
	Short Course in ESOL, 6 glh
	Very short University for Industry (Ufl) Learn Direct programs-LSC propose to continue funding
	Living Room
	Numbers Taster
	English Skills Check
	Living Room (Mac version)
	Going Up
	Living Room
	English Skills Check (CD ROM)
	Number Tasters (Print)
	Number Tasters (CD ROM)
	Number Tasters (Online)
	Numbers Skill Check
	English Skills Check (Version 2 Online)
	Using percentages
	Word Skills Check
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) WordProcessing MS2002
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) DB MS2000
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus Electronic Communications MS2000
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) Electronic Communications MS2002
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) Databases MS2002
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) Spreadsheets MS2002
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) Presentation Graphics MS2002
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus Presentation Graphics MS2000
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) WP MS2000
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) EC MS2000
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) SS MS2000
	Prepare for CLAIT Plus (MOS) PG MS2000
	Preparing for Testing (CG Edx) Literacy Level 1 Cd Rom
	Preparing for Testing (CG Edx) Literacy Level 2 Online
	Preparing for Testing (CG Edx) Literacy Level 2 Cd Rom
	Preparing for Testing (CG Edx) Numeracy Level 1 Online
	Preparing for Testing (CG Edx) Numeracy Level 1 Cd Rom
	Preparing for Testing (CG Edx) Numeracy Level 2 Online
	Preparing for Testing (CG Edx) Numeracy Level 2 Cd Rom
	Preparing for Testing (CG Edx) Literacy Level 1 Online
	Prepare for ECDL 3 (MS 2000)
	MVT: Fuel Systems-Checking System Performance
	MVT: Fuel Systems- Petrol Fuel Systems
	MVT: Fuel Systems-Diesel Fuel Systems
	MVT: Fuel Systems-Component Inspection
	MVT: Engine Lubrication: Lubrication Technology
	Surf.direct
	P4ECDLptl
	P4ECDLpt2
	Return to Learn
	Surf.direct Online Version
	Very short programs within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-LSC propose to continue funding
	Certificate in Risk Assessment Principles and Practice
	Award in Providing a Healthier School Meals Service
	Certificate in Food Hygiene
	Introductory Certificate in Conflict Handling
	Introductory Certificate in Hospitality Conflict Handling
	Introductory Certificate in Selling
	Introductory Certificate in Customer Service (Service Sector)
	Foundation Certificate in Meat and Poultry Hygiene
	Certificate of Competence in the Safe Use of Abrasive Wheel Machines
	Certificate in Food Hygiene
	Diploma in Bookkeeping
	National Certificate for Licensees (Drugs Awareness)
	Certificate of Competence in Manual Handling Operations Risk Assessment
	Certificate in Health and Safety in the Workplace
	Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene
	Introductory Certificate in Hospitality Customer Service
	Introductory Certificate in Hospitality Selling
	Foundation Certificate in Wines
	Other very short programs below 9 guided learning hour-LSC propose to stop funding. In many cases colleges will continue to provide the courses, but fully funded by employers and individuals
	Basic Food Hygiene CertificateLevel 1
	National Award in Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
	National Award in Influencing Skills
	National Award in Lifting and Slinging
	National Award in Fire Risk Assessment
	First Steps on Your Computer
	National Award in Basic Holistic Gas Turbines
	Certificate in Care Skills
	Certificate in Supervisory Development
	1 day Appointed Persons First Aid Course
	Certificate in Retailing
	Emergency First Aid for Appointed Persons
	CG 237701 Code of Practice-Certificate of Competent Management of Electrical Equipment
	Stress Awareness
	Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
	Principles of Manual Handling
	Principles of COSHH
	First Fix Commercial Appliances
	Indirect Fired Heating Appliances
	Direct Fired Heating Appliances
	Overhead Radiant Heaters
	Practical Computing Level 1
	Practical Computing Level 3
	Practical Computing Level 2
	Medic First Aid-Care Initiator Course
	Domestic Gas Fires and Wall Heaters
	Domestic Gas Fired Central Heating Boilers
	Domestic Gas Cooking Appliances
	Emergency Aid Certificate
	Public First Aid
	Working Safely
	Emergency Aid for Appointed Persons
	All-Terrain Vehicles-Basic
	Book-keeping and Accounts Second Level
	Domestic Gas Water Heater Assessment
	Certificate in Customer Care
	Certificate in Occupational Safety-Health  Safety in the Office
	Diploma in Performance Coaching
	Certificate in Food Hygiene and Handling
	Emergency First Aid (Appointed Person)
	Health and Safety Awareness
	Certificate in Fresh Foods (Fruit and Vegetables)
	Initial Assessment of Basic Skills Need (CYCOL)
	Basic First Aid
	Preparing for an Emergency: The British Red Cross Response
	Basic First Aid at Work Certificate
	RYA First Aid Certificate
	Manual Handling-Patient Handling
	Emergency Aid
	Lifesaver First Aid Course
	Emergency Aid in the Workplace for Appointed Persons
	Lifesaver for Babies and Children
	Emergency Aid in Schools
	International/European 6 glh
	Health and Safety 6 glh
	Union Learning Reps 6 glh
	Working in Partnership 6 glh
	Skills 6 glh
	Personal and Professional Development 6 glh
	Information Communications Technology 6 glh
	Equality 6 glh
	Employment Law 6 glh
	Collective Bargaining/Industrial Relations 6 glh
	Work Organisation 6 glh
	Pensions 6 glh
	Union Representatives 6 glh

Further Education

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 9 November 2005, Official Report, column 595W, on further education, where the input of regional development agencies complements that of other bodies in tailoring further education courses to local needs.

Bill Rammell: The Department allocates funds for education and training in the post-16 learning and skills sector to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). The LSC works closely with Regional Skills Partnerships, whose role is to bring together key partners including the Regional Development Agencies, the Skills for Business Network, Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, and the LSC, to ensure that emerging skills needs are identified and addressed, and that further education courses are tailored to local needs.

Further Education

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether data are held centrally on the attendance of students on post-16 courses.

Bill Rammell: There are no centrally held records on whether or how often students attend the courses they are registered on.

Gifted/Talented Pupils

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2005, Official Report, column 1178W, on gifted and talented young people, how many and what proportion of schools to date have not nominated pupils to the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth, broken down by local education authority.

Jacqui Smith: Information supplied by the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth (NAGTY) is set out in the following table, based on latest statistics for maintained secondary schools by local education authority. This shows that 1,379 (40.74 per cent.) of maintained secondary schools have no members of NAGTY. In its first three years of operation, NAGTY has recruited members in almost 60 per cent. of maintained secondary schools. NAGTY aims to offer membership to all pupils in the top 5 per cent. by the end of 2006.
	
		NAGTY members in maintained secondary schools by local authority and Government Office Region in England
		
			   Number With NAGTY members Without NAGTY members Percentage without NAGTY members 
		
		
			  England 3,385 2,006 1,379 40.74 
			   
			  North East 209 143 66 31.58 
			 841 Darlington 7 4 3 42.86 
			 840 Durham 36 22 14 38.89 
			 390 Gateshead 10 10 0 0.00 
			 805 Hartlepool 6 6 0 0.00 
			 806 Middlesbrough 6 6 0 0.00 
			 391 Newcastle upon Tyne 17 17 0 0.00 
			 392 North Tyneside 15 15 0 0.00 
			 929 Northumberland 59 17 42 71.19 
			 807 Redcar and Cleveland 11 8 3 27.27 
			 393 South Tyneside 10 10 0 0.00 
			 808 Stockton-on-Tees 14 12 2 14.29 
			 394 Sunderland 18 16 2 11.11 
			   
			  Northwest 476 294 182 38.24 
			 889 Blackburn with Darwen 9 7 2 22.22 
			 890 Blackpool 8 7 1 12.50 
			 350 Bolton 16 10 6 37.50 
			 351 Bury 14 7 7 50.00 
			 875 Cheshire 44 22 22 50.00 
			 909 Cumbria 42 23 19 45.24 
			 876 Halton 8 7 1 12.50 
			 340 Knowsley 11 5 6 54.55 
			 888 Lancashire 88 43 45 51.14 
			 341 Liverpool 32 18 14 43.75 
			 352 Manchester 22 15 7 31.82 
			 353 Oldham 15 11 4 26.67 
			 354 Rochdale 14 10 4 28.57 
			 355 Salford 15 11 4 26.67 
			 343 Sefton 22 15 7 31.82 
			 342 St. Helens 11 11 0 0.00 
			 356 Stockport 14 7 7 50.00 
			 357 Tameside 18 12 6 33.33 
			 358 Trafford 18 9 9 50.00 
			 877 Warrington 12 9 3 25.00 
			 359 Wigan 21 17 4 19.05 
			 344 Wirral 22 18 4 18.18 
			   
			  Yorkshire and the Humber 325 202 123 37.85 
			 370 Barnsley 14 14 0 0.00 
			 380 Bradford 28 13 15 53.57 
			 381 Calderdale 15 6 9 60.00 
			 371 Doncaster 17 12 5 29.41 
			 811 East Riding of Yorkshire 18 13 5 27.78 
			 810 Kingston Upon Hull, City of 15 11 4 26.67 
			 382 Kirklees 32 10 22 68.75 
			 383 Leeds 41 26 15 36.59 
			 812 North East Lincolnshire 12 3 9 75.00 
			 813 North Lincolnshire 14 11 3 21.43 
			 815 North Yorkshire 47 26 21 44.68 
			 372 Rotherham 16 13 3 18.75 
			 373 Sheffield 27 27 0 0.00 
			 384 Wakefield 18 6 12 66.67 
			 816 York 11 11 0 0.00 
			   
			  East Midlands 300 189 111 37.00 
			 831 Derby 13 8 5 38.46 
			 830 Derbyshire 47 33 14 29.79 
			 856 Leicester 16 16 0 0.00 
			 855 Leicestershire 54 43 11 20.37 
			 925 Lincolnshire 63 24 39 61.90 
			 928 Northamptonshire 40 20 20 50.00 
			 892 Nottingham 17 17 0 0.00 
			 891 Nottinghamshire 47 28 19 40.43 
			 857 Rutland 3 0 3 100.00 
			   
			  West Midlands 414 242 172 41.55 
			 330 Birmingham 76 32 44 57.89 
			 331 Coventry 19 19 0 0.00 
			 332 Dudley 22 17 5 22.73 
			 884 Herefordshire 14 5 9 64.29 
			 333 Sandwell 18 11 7 38.89 
			 893 Shropshire 22 15 7 31.82 
			 334 Solihull 13 10 3 23.08 
			 860 Staffordshire 69 37 32 46.38 
			 861 Stoke-on-Trent 17 12 5 29.41 
			 894 Telford and Wrekin 13 11 2 15.38 
			 335 Walsall 19 14 5 26.32 
			 937 Warwickshire 37 26 11 29.73 
			 336 Wolverhampton 18 8 10 55.56 
			 885 Worcestershire 57 25 32 56.14 
			   
			  East of England 427 209 218 51.05 
			 820 Bedfordshire 57 16 41 71.93 
			 873 Cambridgeshire 31 20 11 35.48 
			 881 Essex 80 36 44 55.00 
			 919 Hertfordshire 82 61 21 25.61 
			 821 Luton 12 12 0 0.00 
			 926 Norfolk 52 26 26 50.00 
			 874 Peterborough 13 8 5 38.46 
			 882 Southend-on-Sea 12 7 5 41.67 
			 935 Suffolk 78 16 62 79.49 
			 883 Thurrock 10 7 3 30.00 
			   
			  London 406 260 146 35.96 
			  Inner London 133 87 46 34.59 
			 202 Camden 9 7 2 22.22 
			 201 City of London 0 0 0 0.00 
			 204 Hackney 8 6 2 25.00 
			 205 Hammersmith and Fulham 9 8 1 11.11 
			 309 Haringey 10 5 5 50.00 
			 206 Islington 9 0 9 100.00 
			 207 Kensington and Chelsea 4 3 1 25.00 
			 208 Lambeth 10 6 4 40.00 
			 209 Lewisham 13 6 7 53.85 
			 316 Newham 15 10 5 33.33 
			 210 Southwark 12 12 0 0.00 
			 211 Tower Hamlets 16 11 5 31.25 
			 212 Wandsworth 10 6 4 40.00 
			 213 Westminster 8 7 1 12.50 
			   
			  Outer London 273 173 100 36.63 
			 301 Barking and Dagenham 9 7 2 22.22 
			 302 Barnet 20 10 10 50.00 
			 303 Bexley 16 6 10 62.50 
			 304 Brent 13 13 0 0.00 
			 305 Bromley 18 9 9 50.00 
			 306 Croydon 21 17 4 19.05 
			 307 Ealing 12 11 1 8.33 
			 308 Enfield 17 5 12 70.59 
			 203 Greenwich 15 8 7 46.67 
			 310 Harrow 10 8 2 20.00 
			 311 Havering 18 14 4 22.22 
			 312 Hillingdon 16 9 7 43.75 
			 313 Hounslow 14 12 2 14.29 
			 314 Kingston upon Thames 10 6 4 40.00 
			 315 Merton 8 3 5 62.50 
			 317 Redbridge 17 13 4 23.53 
			 318 Richmond upon Thames 8 8 0 0.00 
			 319 Sutton 14 7 7 50.00 
			 320 Waltham Forest 17 7 10 58.82 
			  South East 503 277 226 44.93 
			 867 Bracknell Forest 6 2 4 66.67 
			 846 Brighton and Hove 10 7 3 30.00 
			 825 Buckinghamshire 34 14 20 58.82 
			 845 East Sussex 27 13 14 51.85 
			 850 Hampshire 71 45 26 36.62 
			 921 Isle of Wight 21 9 12 57.14 
			 886 Kent 104 46 58 55.77 
			 887 Medway 19 7 12 63.16 
			 826 Milton Keynes 10 7 3 30.00 
			 931 Oxfordshire 34 29 5 14.71 
			 851 Portsmouth 10 7 3 30.00 
			 870 Reading 7 4 3 42.86 
			 871 Slough 11 4 7 63.64 
			 852 Southampton 14 6 8 57.14 
			 936 Surrey 53 32 21 39.62 
			 869 West Berkshire 10 8 2 20.00 
			 938 West Sussex 40 22 18 45.00 
			 868 Windsor and Maidenhead 13 8 5 38.46 
			 872 Wokingham 9 7 2 22.22 
			   
			  South West 325 190 135 41.54 
			 800 Bath and North East Somerset 13 5 8 61.54 
			 837 Bournemouth 10 4 6 60.00 
			 801 Bristol, City of 17 17 0 0.00 
			 908 Cornwall 31 23 8 25.81 
			 878 Devon 37 26 11 29.73 
			 835 Dorset 36 15 21 58.33 
			 916 Gloucestershire 42 16 26 61.90 
			 420 Isles of Scilly 0 0 0 0.00 
			 802 North Somerset 10 6 4 40.00 
			 879 Plymouth 17 10 7 41.18 
			 836 Poole 9 3 6 66.67 
			 933 Somerset 39 30 9 23.08 
			 803 South Gloucestershire 14 7 7 50.00 
			 866 Swindon 10 9 1 10.00 
			 880 Torbay 8 3 5 62.50 
			 865 Wiltshire 32 16 16 50.00

Gifted/Talented Pupils

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 7 November 2005, Official Report, column 118W, on gifted and talented youth, how many members of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth there are in each school in West Sussex.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is given in the following table.
	
		Table 1: Members of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth in West Sussex by school attended
		
			 School Membership numbers by school 
		
		
			 Bishop Luffa Church of England School, Chichester 1 
			 Boundstone Community College 23 
			 Chichester High School for Boys 1 
			 Christ's Hospital 1 
			 Downlands Community School 1 
			 Felpham Community College 1 
			 Great Ballard School 1 
			 Holy Trinity C of E Secondary School, Crawley 87 
			 Hurstpierpoint College Senior School 9 
			 Lavant House Rosemead 4 
			 Midhurst Intermediate School 1 
			 Millais School 28 
			 Oakmeeds Community College 20 
			 Oathall Community College 1 
			 Seaford College 2 
			 St. Andrew's C of E High School for Boys 1 
			 Steyning Grammar School 1 
			 The Angmering School 67 
			 The College of Richard Collyer in Horsham 6 
			 The Forest School 42 
			 The Rydon Community College 2 
			 Thomas Bennett Community College 1 
			 Warden Park School 2 
			 Worth School 1 
			 Worthing High School 16 
			 Total 320 
		
	
	This information is correct as at 18 November 2005

Higher Education

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what percentage of people aged 18 to 30 years entered higher education in (a) 2001, (b) 2002, (c) 2003, (d) 2004 and (e) 2005;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on the non-completion rate in higher education in (a) 2001, (b) 2002, (c) 2003, (d) 2004 and (e) 2005.

Bill Rammell: The latest available figures are shown in the tables. The percentage of people aged 17 to 30 years entering higher education in 2004 will be published in April 2006; projected non-completion rates for students starting courses in 2003 will be published in July 2006. The figures in the tables show that, since 1999/2000, participation rates have risen and non-completion rates have fallen. Figures published in 2005 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) showed that in 2003 the UK had one of the lowest non-completion rates among OECD countries.
	
		Higher Education Initial Participation Rate (HEIPR) for English domiciled first degree entrants (full-time and part-time) to higher education courses from 1999/2000 to 2003/04
		
			 Students starting courses in: Percentage of 17 to 30-year-olds entering HE 
		
		
			 1999/2000 41 
			 2000/01 42 
			 2001/02 42 
			 2002/03 43 
			 2003/04 43 
		
	
	Source:
	DfES National Statistics Statistical First Release 14/2005, Participation Rates in Higher Education: Academic Years 1999/20002003/2004 (Provisional). Calculations are based on data provided by HESA and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
	
		Percentage of UK domiciled full-time first degree starters expected neither to obtain an award nor transfer, UK higher education institutions 1999/2000 to 2002/03
		
			 Students starting courses in: Projected non-completion rate 
		
		
			 1999/2000 15.9 
			 2000/01 15.0 
			 2001/02 14.1 
			 2002/03 14.4 
			 2003/04 n/a 
		
	
	n/anot available.
	Source:
	Performance Indicators in Higher Education, published by HESA. For 2002/03, the projected outcomes summarise the pattern of movements of students at institutions between 2002/03 and 2003/04 and give the outcomes that would have been expected from starters in 2002/03 if progression patterns for the years after 2003/04 were to remain unchanged. The HESA data show the proportion of entrants who are projected to: obtain a qualification (either a first degree or another undergraduate award); transfer to another HEI; neither obtain a qualification nor transfer (i.e. fail to complete the course).

Higher Education

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many staff are employed in universities in England.

Bill Rammell: The latest available information is given in the following table:
	
		All staff in higher education institutions in England 2003/04
		
			  Full-time Part-time 
		
		
			 Academic staff 86,015 38,125 
			 Non academic staff 96,935 56,450 
			 Total 182,950 94,575 
		
	
	Note:
	Figures are rounded to the nearest 5.
	Source:
	Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Higher Education

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of those studying science in higher education took (a) dual award science GCSE and (b) separate sciences at GCSE in the last period for which figures are available.

Bill Rammell: The information is not held centrally. The Higher Education Statistics Agency collects data on the entry qualifications held by entrants to Higher Education Institutions, which records the highest level of qualification held (e.g. A level, GCSE) but does not specify the specific subjects obtained by the student at these levels.

IT Projects

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many of the IT projects costing over 1 million in use in her Department and introduced since 1997 have been scrutinised by the Public Accounts Committee; and if she will list them.

Maria Eagle: One onlythe Individual Learning Account (ILA) Programme 1 .
	1 House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts (2003), Individual Learning Accounts, Tenth Report of Session 200203 (Ref: HC 544), ISO, London.

Key Stage 3

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research her Department has undertaken into the merits of (a) reducing the period of teaching at Key Stage 3 from three years to two years and (b) reducing the number of teachers pupils see at (i) Key Stage 3 on (ii) attainment at Key Stage 3 and (iii) Key Stage 4.

Jacqui Smith: The Department is currently running a pilot exploring the condensed Key Stage 3 curriculum, which began in 2003. The Department has commissioned an independent evaluation of the pilot which is due to report at the end of 2006. The pilot is also being evaluated by Ofsted; due to report in December 2005.
	The Department is also running a pilot aimed at raising the achievement of low attaining pupils and a small part of this pilot explores teaching approaches at Key Stage 3. A report on the first year is currently available for the schools and local authorities involved.

Labour Force Survey

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  for what reasons she has decided to use Labour Force Survey data for the purpose of assessing need for youth services;
	(2)  if she will reverse her decision to use Labour Force Survey data in place of Connexions Service data for the purpose of assessing need for youth services.

Maria Eagle: The Labour Force Survey is not used to assess need for youth services. Through our Every Child Matters reforms we are giving local authorities and their partners through children's trusts increasing freedom to make local assessments of the need for particular services and allocate resources accordingly. Data collected by Connexions Services is a powerful tool for partners to use in planning and commissioning services for young people, and this local data is used in assessing local performance.
	The national public service agreement target for reducing the proportion of 1618-year-olds not in education, employment and training is measured using the DfES annual participation estimates, which use the Labour Force Survey as one component. These statistics are a measurement of the overall impact of policiesnot of the need for youth services.

Learning and Skills Council

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what mechanism is used for providing funds to the Learning and Skills Council additional to those set out in the grant letter, with particular reference to funds for administrative costs.

Bill Rammell: Each autumn the Department sets out its priorities and funding for the LSC in an annual grant letter. Where the need for additional resources for the LSC is identified the Department and the LSC agree the level of funding, including any additional administration costs. Funding to cover administrative costs is based on the clear demonstration of need. When agreement is reached the additional resources are formally notified, in writing, to the LSC as additions to the grant letter. The LSC's core administration costs have fallen steadily from 3.4 per cent. of total funding in 200102 to 2.5 per cent. of its planned total budget in 200506. Using the figures in LSC annual accounts for 200102, which include the set up costs occurred in the last seven months of 200001, gives the administration budget as 4.6 per cent. of total funding.

Learning and Skills Council

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of the restructuring of the Learning and Skills Council on 16 to 19 education.

Bill Rammell: The LSC's proposed restructuring is designed to achieve better focus and more consistent delivery at a local level through the creation of 148 local partnership teams. These partnership teams will lead and support the 1419 agenda which is the LSC's number one priority. The LSC has a duty to provide quality provision for 16 to 19-year-olds and the grant letter, issued earlier this month, reiterated the aim of boosting participation rates, raising the quality of vocational provision and extending choice to learners.

Learning Methods

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2005, Official Report, column 1181W, on learning methods, whether learning multiplication facts up to 10x10 is identical to learning multiplication tables up to 10x10.

Jacqui Smith: By learning the multiplication tables up to 10x10, a child would learn all the individual multiplication facts up to 10x10.

Milwaukee Charter Schools Programme

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions representatives of her Department had with US (a) educators and officials concerned with the Milwaukee charter schools programme and (b) policy institutes during their recent visit to the US; and what assessment they have made of the programme.

Jacqui Smith: The discussions held with educators and officials concerned with the Milwaukee charter schools' programme included the teaching and learning strategies and curriculum used to engage and motivate young people; the implications of teacher led schools and the accountability systems in place to quality assure provision.
	The official made the following observations based on his visit to Milwaukee:
	1. The inclusive nature of new charter school creation has encouraged the involvement of people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Their expertise and enthusiasm helps practitioners see things from a different angle.
	2. There is little intervention or co-ordinated response to prevent fragile charter schools from failing, although there is expertise in the system to share good practice to build capacity and ensure consistency of approach.

Ministerial Correspondence

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of ministerial correspondence from her Department was signed in a Minister's absence in the last period for which figures are available.

Bill Rammell: Information on ministerial letters is not collected in this form.

Music Teaching

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she plans to announce the details of annual funding arrangements for the promotion of music tuition in schools.

Jacqui Smith: Annual funding arrangements for the promotion of music tuition in schools will be announced in the near future, as part of the schools funding settlement.

National Minimum Wage

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many staff in her Department were affected by the increase in the national minimum wage on 1 October.

Maria Eagle: None of the staff in my Department were affected by the increase in the national minimum wage on 1 October 2005.

Nuffield Review

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what (a) direct and (b) indirect funding her Department has made to the Annual Nuffield Review of 1419 Education and Training.

Bill Rammell: The Department has not made any direct or indirect funding to the Nuffield Review. This piece of work was funded entirely by the Nuffield Foundation itself.

Parental Rights

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to ensure the rights of fathers are considered in legal disputes concerning parental rights; and what assessment she has made of the extent to which the current system considers the rights of fathers.

Maria Eagle: holding answer 10 November 2005
	The Government's position is that the needs of children, and not the rights of parents, should be at the heart of the law. The courts are required to have the welfare of the child as their paramount consideration in determining any question in relation to their upbringing. This paramountcy principle is focused on the child, and there is no legal bias toward or against either parent.
	The Government take very seriously the need to support both parents in seeking to know and love their children, and we believe firmly that it is normally in the child's best interest to have a meaningful relationship with both parents.
	Following on from the parental separation Green Paper, Making Contact Work, we are introducing a raft of measures to support parents and children, both in legal disputes and in avoiding those disputes in the first place, through rolling out in-court conciliation, revising and updating parenting plans, launching a telephone helpline later this year, making new arrangements to incentivise solicitors to promote successful out-of-court contact settlements and increasing the availability of child contact centres.
	On the more technical matter of parental responsibility (PR), fathers who have PR for their children have exactly the same level of rights and responsibilities as any other party with PR. We introduced new provisions to allow fathers to register as a child's parent through the Adoption and Children Act 2002.
	Anyone with parental responsibility has all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property, including being consulted over important changes in the child's life, such as a change of name or taking the child abroad for longer than one month, and being entitled to information about the child such as school reports.

Plumbers

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people undertook courses leading to a qualification in plumbing in each of the last 10 years.

Phil Hope: According to the National Information System for Vocational Qualifications (NISVQ), the number of awards of accredited qualifications in plumbing in the United Kingdom over the last 10 years is given in the following table:
	
		
			  Number of awards (to the nearest 100) 
		
		
			 1994/95 1,400 
			 1995/96 2,500 
			 1996/97 2,800 
			 1997/98 2,700 
			 1998/99 2,600 
			 1999/2000 3,400 
			 2000/01 3,900 
			 2001/02 5,500 
			 2002/03 8,600 
			 2003/04 10,700 
		
	
	Note:
	The National Information System for Vocational Qualifications (NISVQ) has been collecting information from awarding bodies on the achievement of vocational qualifications in the United Kingdom since 1992/93. The number of awarding bodies contributing data has risen from five in 1992/93 to 13 in 1997/98, 24 in 2002/03 and 36 in 2003/04 (the latest year for which information is available).
	Source:
	NISVQ

Polish Resettlement Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the operation of section 6 of the Polish Resettlement Act 1947.

Phil Hope: Section 6 of the Polish Resettlement Act 1947 was repealed by the Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004. The provision was proposed for repeal by the Law Commission because it was no longer needed. The repeal took effect on 22 July 2004.

Positive Learning Environment

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken by her Department to foster a positive learning environment for pupils (a) within schools, (b) at home and (c) within the community.

Jacqui Smith: The Department is taking a range of steps to ensure a positive learning environment for pupils.
	We are supporting schools in making sure that each classroom is a positive and orderly place where pupils are free to learn. Our National Primary and Secondary Strategies are improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools. We are also implementing a complementary and comprehensive programme of measures to strengthen schools' capacity to improve pupils' behaviour and attendance, which includes access to high-quality training for all school staff and extra support for schools facing the greatest challenges. In addition, we are currently considering the recommendations made in the recently published report by the Practitioners' Group to determine what else can be done to promote good behaviour in schools.
	The Department's Extended Schools' programme aims to promote, encourage and develop links between schools and their communities, effectively making the school the heart of the community.
	We want to help parents and schools to work well together and raise children's achievement. It is crucial we ensure that the importance of parental involvement is embedded throughout the education chain to establish a culture of parental involvement and encourage a positive, two-way partnership.
	To enable this, we are actively encouraging parents to become more closely involved in their children's education and learning at home and at school by providing information for parents such as the Learning Journey guides and the Parents Centre website; and materials for schools such as the Involving Parents, Raising Achievement toolkit.
	The family learning programmes funded by the Learning and Skills Council enable parents and their children to improve their literacy, language and numeracy skills together.
	All these measures support the creation of a positive learning environment in schools, at home and in the community, as they all include an emphasis on work with parents and raising awareness of children and young people's position and responsibilities in the communities in which they live.

Schools

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children have started primary schools in West Sussex in each of the last 10 years; and what her projections are for the next five years.

Jacqui Smith: The requested time series is not available due to changes in the way that information is collected on new admissions to primary schools. The table shows the number of four and five-year-olds in maintained primary schools in West Sussex from 1996 to 2005.
	The Department does not produce projections of numbers of pupils starting schools in individual local authorities. The Department has recently released pupil number projections at local authority level for 2006 and 2007 which it plans to use in setting authorities' Dedicated Schools Grant guaranteed units of funding. These projections are for all children aged three to 15 funded by authorities. They can be seen at the following address: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=9224
	
		Maintained primary schools: number of pupils aged four and five1. Position in January each year. West Sussex local authority
		
			  Pupils aged: 
			  Four Five 
		
		
			 1996 5,990 8,470 
			 1997 6,120 8.510 
			 1998 7,850 8,580 
			 1999 8,060 8,250 
			 2000 7.930 8,430 
			 2001 7,900 8,190 
			 2002 7.970 8,100 
			 2003 7,970 8,160 
			 2004 7,870 8,100 
			 2005 7,760 8,020 
		
	
	(36) Age as at 31 August the previous year.
	Note:
	Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	Annual Schools' Census

Schools

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many (a) unitary and (b) metropolitan local authorities have received claims for compensation for (i) sexual and (ii) physical abuse in residential schools in the last five years;
	(2)  which local authorities have received claims for compensation for (a) sexual and (b) physical abuse in residential schools; and what the total value of such claims was in respect of each authority in 200405;
	(3)  how much has been paid in compensation to complainants by local authorities for (a) sexual and (b) physical abuse in residential schools since 1992.

Maria Eagle: My Department does not hold this information.

Schools

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) classroom assistants and (b) full-time equivalent classroom assistant posts there were in schools in Hemel Hempstead constituency in each year since 1997.

Jacqui Smith: The following table provides the full-time equivalent number of teaching assistants in maintained sector schools, including pupil referral units, in Hemel Hempstead constituency in January of each year.
	The number of full-time equivalent teaching assistant posts in Hemel Hempstead is not collected centrally.
	
		Full-time equivalent number of teaching assistants(37) in maintained sector schools(38), including pupil referral units, in Hemel Hempstead constituency
		
			  Teaching assistants FTE 
		
		
			 1997 100 
			 1998 130 
			 1999 140 
			 2000 180 
			 2001(39) 220 
			 2002 180 
			 2003 290 
			 2004 300 
			 2005 340 
		
	
	(37) Includes teaching assistants, special needs support staff and ethnic minority support staff.
	(38) Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools.
	(39) Data for 2001 may be affected by misclassification of support staff roles following major changes to information systems.
	Note:
	Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	Source:
	Annual School Census

Schools

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what remuneration was received by her adviser on specialist schools in each year since 1996.

Jacqui Smith: The adviser to the Secretary of State on specialist schools and academies, Sir Cyril Taylor, has not received remuneration for this position since his original appointment in 1987. His appointment is on a part-time and voluntary basis.

Special Educational Needs

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to ensure that children with autism receive the educational support they need.

Maria Eagle: Schools and local authorities have duties under the Education Act 1996 to identify, assess and make suitable provision for all children with special educational needs (SEN), including those with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). In making provision for children with SEN schools and local authorities have to have regard to statutory guidance set out in the SEN Code of Practice. With the Department of Health, we have also published non-statutory Good Practice Guidance on ASDs (2002) some 30,000 copies of which have been distributed on demand. The Guidance is designed to raise awareness and to give providers a tool with which to audit and develop their provision. The Department is aware that the Guidance is being used in this way by schools, local authorities and the Departmentally-funded SEN Regional Partnerships, nine of the 11 of which have established autism working groups.

Special Educational Needs

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make it her policy to include compulsory modules on (a) identifying children with special educational needs and (b) developing appropriate teaching methods for them within initial teacher training courses.

Maria Eagle: I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 1 November 2005, Official Report, columns 100203W, in response to her earlier question on training to equip the education workforce with the skills needed to improve attainment among pupils with special educational needs. That answer explained the SEN requirements already in place for teachers undergoing initial training and induction.
	As part of a review of professional standards, including those for Qualified Teacher Status, the Training and Development Agency for Schools will be looking at whether there is a need to strengthen the Standards relating to special educational needs and inclusion. The Agency will also consider whether there is a case for expanding associated guidance. The Department will of course contribute to this process.

Special Educational Needs

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to ensure that special educational needs co-ordinators have appropriate training for the role they undertake.

Maria Eagle: Special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) are appointed by headteachers. It is for individual schools and their maintaining local authorities to arrange appropriate induction and training. This would need to have regard to the existing experience and knowledge of the individual acting as SENCO, and the range and complexity of special educational needs represented within the school. Schools may use their School Development Grant to arrange appropriate training.
	I would also refer my hon. Friend to the reply on SENCO qualifications and experience given on 11 November 2005, Official Report, column 810W.

Special Educational Needs

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils are in special needs schools in Surrey; how many pupils with special educational needs are in mainstream schools in Surrey; and how many special needs schools have (a) opened and (b) closed in Surrey since 1997.

Maria Eagle: The information requested is shown in the tables.
	
		All special schools: number of pupils (40)Surrey local authority area
		
			 January 2005 Total pupils 
		
		
			 Maintained special 1,928 
			 Non-maintained special 538 
		
	
	(40) Excludes dually registered pupils
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census
	
		Mainstream schools: number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) by type of schoolJanuary 2005
		
			 Surrey local authority area  
		
		
			 Nursery  
			 Pupils on roll 348 
			 Pupils with statements 12 
			 % Pupils with statements 3.4 
			 Pupils with SEN without a statement 60 
			 % Pupils with SEN without a statement 17.2 
			 Primary  
			 Pupils on roll 78,780 
			 Pupils with statements 1,682 
			 % Pupils with statements 2.1 
			 Pupils with SEN without a statement 13,128 
			 % Pupils with SEN without a statement 16.7 
			 Secondary  
			 Pupils on roll 59,361 
			 Pupils with statements 1,252 
			 % Pupils with statements 2.1 
			 Pupils with SEN without a statement 9,051 
			 % Pupils with SEN without a statement 15.2 
		
	
	Source:
	Annual Schools Census
	Since 1997, there has been one non-maintained special school which has opened and one maintained special school has closed in Surrey local authority area.
	Source:
	Edubase

Staff Discipline

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many employees have been dismissed by her Department in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Maria Eagle: The number of Department for Education and Skills employees dismissed in each of the last five calendar years is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2000 8 
			 2001 3 
			 2002 5 
			 2003 1 
			 2004 3

University Staff

Tony Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average weekly number of hours was spent by full-time academic staff teaching undergraduates in universities in 200405.

Bill Rammell: The information is not held centrally. The Higher Education Statistics Agency collects data annually on staff in all higher education institutions in the UK, but does not collect any data on class contact time.

HEALTH

Abortion Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what advice her Department issues to members of the public wishing to report alleged abuses of the terms of the Abortion Act 1967; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  how many allegations of abuse of the terms of the Abortion Act 1967 were made to her Department by (a) members of the public and (b) doctors in each of the last 20 years for which figures are available; and how many were dismissed for lack of evidence.

Caroline Flint: The Department has not issued any specific advice to members of the public about reporting alleged abuses of the Abortion Act. However, any member of the public has the right to raise any concern about abortion or any other medical procedure.
	All allegations received about abortion are investigated and appropriate action taken. Information about the allegations received over the last 20 years can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Accident and Emergency Provision

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she will take to ensure the future provision of accident and emergency services to the residents of South East Hertfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Decisions about the priorities and types of services that are available to South East Hertfordshire are made by the primary care trust based on the needs of the population it serves. This includes the siting of services.

Alcohol Services

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will place in the Library a copy of the results of the national audit of available alcohol services.

Caroline Flint: A copy of the Alcohol Needs Assessment Research Project is available in the Library.

Alcohol-related Illnesses

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people under the age of 30 years in the area corresponding most closely to Lancaster and Wyre constituency were treated for alcohol-related illnesses (a) in the last 12 months and (b) in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: Information is not held centrally on a constituency basis. The most current information available is shown in the following table.
	Count of finished consultant episodes for selected alcohol related diseases in Lancaster and Wyre national health service hospitals, 199798 to 200304
	
		Count of finished consultant episodes for selected alcohol related diseases in Lancaster and Wyre national health service hospitals, 199798 to 200304
		
			  Finished consultant episodes 
		
		
			 199798 41 
			 199899 39 
			 19992000 39 
			 200001 42 
			 200102 57 
			 200203 76 
			 200304 39 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Finished consultant episode (FCE):
	A FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.
	2. Diagnosis (primary diagnosis):
	The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14, seven prior to 200203, diagnosis fields in the hospital episode statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.
	Alcohol related diseases defined as following ICD-10 codes recorded in primary diagnosis:
	F10: Mental and behavioural disorders due to use of alcohol
	K70: Alcoholic liver disease
	T51: Toxic effect of alcohol
	3. Ungrossed Data:
	Figures have not been adjusted for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed).
	Source:
	Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre

Alcohol-related Illnesses

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people under the age of 30 years in the area corresponding most closely to West Lancashire constituency were treated for alcohol-related illnesses (a) in the last 12 months and (b) in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Counts of finished consultant episodes and patients where there was a primary diagnosis for alcohol related diseases in West Lancashire NHS Hospitals 199798 to 200304
		
			  Finished consultant episodes Patient counts 
		
		
			 199798 34 32 
			 199899 23 22 
			 19992000 28 26 
			 200001 32 23 
			 200102 26 23 
			 200203 16 15 
			 200304 37 34 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Finished Consultant Episode (FCE)
	An FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.
	2. Patient counts
	Patient counts are based on the unique patient identifier HESID. This identifier is derived based on patient's date of birth, postcode, sex, local patient identifier and NHS number, using an agreed algorithm. Where data are incomplete, HESID might erroneously link episodes or fail to recognise episodes for the same patient. Care is therefore needed, especially where duplicate records persist in the data. The patient count cannot be summed across a table where patients may have episodes in more than one cell.
	3. Diagnosis (Primary Diagnosis)
	The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (seven prior to 200203) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.
	4. Ungrossed data
	Figures have not been adjusted for shortfalls in data (ie the data are ungrossed).
	Source:
	Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre

Ambulance Service (Hertfordshire)

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were conveyed by ambulance to the Accident and Emergency departments of (a) Hemel Hempstead general hospital and (b) Watford general hospital in (i) 200203, (ii) 200304 and (iii) 200405; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.

Ambulance Service (Hertfordshire)

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in Manchester triage system categories one and two were conveyed by ambulance to the accident and emergency departments of (a) Hemel Hempstead general hospital and (b) Watford general hospital in (i) 200203, (ii) 200304 and (iii) 200405; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.

Avian Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to put in place contracts to secure year-round supplies of eggs as described in the UK Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan.

Caroline Flint: It is the responsibility of vaccine manufacturers to make sure that they have contracts in place to ensure that they have a sufficient supply of eggs to fulfil their contracts to supply vaccine. The Department has met with manufacturers to discuss their preparedness for a possible pandemic.

Avian Influenza

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the mechanisms by which mutagenesis towards human host adaptation could arise in relation to H5N1 avian influenza virus, with particular reference to the combination of clades within the host (a) from the same strain and (b) from different strains of the virus.

Caroline Flint: The mechanism by which one or any H5 avian virus adapts to humans is likely to be the same regardless of the clade, or strain. No data exist on this but we have no reason to believe that the mechanism of mutagenesis would be different for one versus any other strain.

Avian Influenza

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice has been given (a) directly and (b) via health professionals to those people assessed as being most at risk from simultaneous co-infection of the H5N1 and a human host adapted influenza virus.

Caroline Flint: H5N1 is currently an avian influenza virus which mainly affects birds. We are working to ensure that both health professionals and the public have access to information about both avian and pandemic flu. The Chief Medical Officer has produced an explanatory guide which explains the difference between avian flu, seasonal flu and pandemic flu. A public information leaflet, Frequently Asked Questions and Key Facts sheets have also been developed. These are available on the Department's website and have been distributed to primary care professionals, to enable them to answer questions from members of the public.
	The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) generic exotic animal disease contingency plan includes provisions on health and safety for poultry workers and other stakeholders in the event of an outbreak of avian influenza. This was supplemented by additional advice published on 31 October. Both documents are available on DEFRA's website at: www.defra.gov.uk.

Avian Influenza

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the potential for virulence in avian influenza H5N1 to be replicated in a human host adapted strain following mutagenesis.

Caroline Flint: The virus causing human clinical H5N1 infection is highly virulent in birds but it remains an avian virus. There are little data available to indicate whether it will retain that virulence if it mutates into a human virus.

Avian Influenza

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the safety of chicken and turkey products in the context of avian influenza.

Caroline Flint: On the basis of current scientific evidence, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk for United Kingdom consumers. This is because for people, the risk of catching the disease is from being in close contact with live poultry that have the disease and not through eating cooked poultry.
	The FSA advises that poultry should always be cooked thoroughly before being eaten to avoid food poisoning due to salmonella and campylobacter.

Blood Tests (Kent)

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have experienced delays in 200506 in receiving the results of blood tests because of staff shortages at Gravesend and North Kent hospitals.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Breast Cancer

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether primary care trusts (PCTs) are required to make herceptin available to women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer; and what guidance her Department has given to PCTs on this matter.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 14 November 2005
	As with other unlicensed drugs, it is down to individual clinicians to decide whether to prescribe herceptin. The clinician makes these decisions after discussions with the woman about the potential risks and taking into account her medical history.
	The clinician's decision does, however, need to be supported by the primary care trust (PCT) as the PCT has to decide whether to support the clinician's decision and pay for herceptin.
	On 25 October, I announced that PCTs should not refuse to fund herceptin solely on the grounds of cost, or rule out treatments on principle. They should consider individual circumstances.
	The position on herceptin has been communicated to the national health service via the chief executive's bulletin of 10 November 2005. This bulletin is available on the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk.

Breast Cancer

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance she has (a) issued and (b) plans to issue to primary care trusts regarding the prescribing of Herceptin, with particular reference to Bolton primary care trust.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 15 November 2005
	The position on the prescribing of herceptin has been communicated to the national health service via the chief executive's bulletin of 10 November 2005. This bulletin is available on the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk. The guidance is aimed at all primary care trusts, including Bolton.

Carers

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her assessment is of the effects of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 on carers.

Liam Byrne: The Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 has been warmly welcomed by carers and the organisations that represent them. However, it is currently too early to have hard data on the effect of the new Act on carers.
	Monitoring is being undertaken through the Commission for Social Care Inspection's performance assessment framework and data is collected via the referrals, assessments and packages of care return.

Childhood Vaccinations

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the take-up rate of each vaccine offered as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme has been (a) in total and (b) in each (i) primary care trust and (ii) strategic health authority in each quarter since the quarter ending June 1997.

Caroline Flint: Annual England data for years 1997 to 2005 are available from national health service immunisation statistics on the department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/publicationsandstatistics/statistics/statisticalworkarea.
	Quarterly cover of vaccination evaluated rapidly reports for the same period are available on the Health Protection Agency's (HPA) website at:
	www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/vaccination/vac_cover.htm.
	Primary care trust (PCT) and strategic health authority (SHA) data is only available from April 2002. Annual data for PCTs and SHAs can be accessed in NHS Immunisation Statistics, England 200203, 200304, 200405 bulletins (tables seven and eight) from the Department's web link. Quarterly SHA tables are available from the above HPA link. PCT quarterly data is not published.

Children's Food

Patrick McFadden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions she has had with leading supermarket chains concerning reducing the (a) sugar, (b) salt and (c) fat content in children's food.

Caroline Flint: The chair of the Food Standards Agency and I have recently started a series of joint meetings with a number of the leading supermarket chains to discuss their plans to reduce salt, fat and sugar in all foods. The first of these meetings took place at the start of November, and others are scheduled through to the middle of December.

Dacorum Primary Care Trust

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effect on expenditure by Dacorum primary care trust of the introduction of new contracts for (a) pharmacists, (b) dentists and (c) other frontline staff; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: No assessment has been made on Dacorum primary care trust's expenditure in relation to the new contracts for pharmacists, dentists and other frontline staff.

Dementia

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research her Department is funding into the treatment and cure of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leucoencephalopathy; what NHS treatments are available for this condition; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 17 November 2005
	The main agency through which the Government supports medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body funded by the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology.
	The MRC is currently funding one research grant of relevance to cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leucoencephalopathy (CADASIL). The MRC is additionally supporting a considerable programme of underpinning research in both neurology and genetics that may lead to a greater understanding of the condition.
	Over 75 per cent. of the Department's total expenditure on health research is devolved to and managed by national health service organisations. Details of current and completed individual projects, including a number concerned with CADASIL, can be found on the national research register on the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk/research.
	There is currently no specific treatment available for CADASIL, although the associated migraine, anxiety and depression can be controlled using standard treatments. The recently published national service framework for long-term conditions focuses on the health and social care needs for people living with neurological conditions, including those with CADASIL.

Dentistry

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists have de-registered children from NHS work in each primary care trust in Gloucestershire in the last year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: The Department does not collect this information in the format requested.

Dentistry

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many dentists serve the Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth Primary Care Trust;
	(2)  how many dentists in Tamworth constituency (a) operate fully within the NHS and (b) only offer NHS treatment for children.

Rosie Winterton: As at 30 September 2005, there were 71 national health service dentists with a general dental services (GDS) or personal dental services (PDS) contract within Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth primary care trust (PCT).
	As at 30 September 2005, there were 38 NHS dentists with a GDS or PDS contract within Tamworth parliamentary constituency.
	The data source is the Dental Practice Board. A dentist with a GDS or PDS contract may provide as little or as much NHS treatment as he or she chooses or has agreed with the PCT. The Dental Practice Board has no information concerning the amount of time dedicated to private or NHS work by individual dentists.
	Information about who dentists offer to treat is not collected centrally. However, an analysis of NHS patient registrations data as at 1 June 2005 show that within Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth PCT there was one dentist having only children registered. This analysis is not available at parliamentary constituency area.

Dentistry

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what role the Dental Practice Board will play in the Business Services Authority from 1 April 2006.

Rosie Winterton: The existing functions of the Dental Practice Board will be absorbed into the Business Services Authority from April 2006. The Dental Practice Board will be abolished on 31 March 2006.

Dentistry

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether flexible funding will be given to primary care trusts in 200607 in relation to the implementation of the new general dental services contract.

Rosie Winterton: Primary care trusts' (PCTs) budgets for local dental services in 200607 will reflect the historic spend in general dental services, personal dental services, emergency dental services and salaried dentists. We are currently finalising decisions on the level of any growth in this budget. PCTs will also have the flexibility to invest additional resources from within their main budgets allocations if they wish.

Dentistry

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to initiate a review of the conclusions of the 2004 dental work force study.

Rosie Winterton: We have no current plans to initiate a review on the conclusions of the 2004 dental work force study. We shall, however, wish to look again at future work force requirements once the impact of the new local commissioning arrangements for dentistry from April 2006 can be taken into account.

Dentistry

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many Polish dentists worked for the NHS in the last year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: At the start of November 2005, there were 312 national health service dentists with a general dental services or personal dental services contract in England, who were qualified in Poland.

Dentistry

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much her Department spent per capita on NHS dentistry in West Lancashire in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		Estimated spend per capita on the general dental service (GDS) in West Lancashire Primary Care Trust for the financial years ending 31 March 2001 to 2005
		
			 West Lancashire  per capita 
		
		
			 2001 23.74 
			 2002 25.30 
			 2003 26.55 
			 2004 29.86 
			 2005 27.17 
		
	
	Note:
	During 200405, the proportion of dentists working in personal dentist service (PDS) increased from 7 per cent. to 23 per cent. This will lead to a significant break in the GDS spend per capita series. Comparable data on PDS expenditure are not held centrally.
	Expenditure has been defined as gross fees plus commitment payments less patient charges. This excludes some payments to dentists.

Dentistry

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if her Department will take steps to prevent private dentistry practices from actively persuading dentists to leave the NHS.

Rosie Winterton: It is not the role of the Department to intervene in individual discussions between one dental practitioner and another. However, we are actively promoting the benefits of the new national health service dental contracts to dentists, for instance through communication to all NHS dentists from the Chief Dental Officer and meetings with local groups of dentists across the country.

Dentistry

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many calls to NHS Direct were about NHS dentistry in the latest month for which figures are available; and what percentage of those callers were advised of NHS dentists they could (a) register with and (b) be treated by within locally agreed standards.

Rosie Winterton: The data requested is not centrally collected. However, it may be available locally from NHS Direct and the hon. Member may wish to contact the Chairman of NHS Direct for details.

Dentistry

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will compensate pensioners for private dental charges incurred where NHS dental treatment is not available.

Rosie Winterton: In England, we have no plans to compensate pensioners for private dental charges. Our programme of investment in national health service dentistry has been focused on increasing the number of dentists providing NHS services and improving access for patients. Since 200304, we have invested approximately 250 million in primary dental care services in England.

Departmental Estate

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant the answer of 17 October 2005, Official Report, column 760W, on Departmental Land Property, if she will list all properties in London that her Department is renting that are empty; when they were last in use; and what was the amount spent in rent of these properties in the last year for which figures are available.

Jane Kennedy: The following former Community Health Council premises vacated in December 2003 are currently vacant and for these the Department is currently paying rent. Having established that there was no national health service interest they have been actively marketed.
	2224 High Road, Willesden-annual rent 29,375. A notice to break the lease from June 2006 has been served.
	128 The Grove, Stratford-annual rent 24,000. An assignment of the lease to a third party is imminent.
	42 Fulham Palace Road, Fulham-annual rent 28,000, The lease expires in December 2005.
	4547 Praed Street, Paddington-annual rent 130,000. Part sub-let at 72,000 per annum.

Departmental IT Projects

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list for each IT project her Department has undertaken since May 1997 which has incurred a total expenditure of 5 million or more, (a) the name of the project, (b) its intended purpose, (c) the principal contractors involved and the payments made to each, (d) the original estimate of the cost of the project, (e) the actual outturn of expenditure on the project, (f) the intended date on which the project was to be fully implemented, (g) the actual date on which it was fully implemented or cancelled, (h) modifications which have been made to the project since it was first commissioned, (i) contractors on the project whose contracts have been cancelled, (j) replacement or additional contractors on the project, (k) the most reliable estimate of public expenditure saved as a result of implementing the project and (l) the most reliable estimates of improved performance of departmental functions as a result of implementing the project.

Liam Byrne: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

Departmental Secondment

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many officers seconded from accountancy houses are working in her Department; and how many of her officials have worked on secondment to outside accountancy houses.

Jane Kennedy: The Department's human resource (HR) system does not currently show where a person has been seconded to or from. The total number of staff on secondment or loan out of the Department on 31 October 2005 was 184 full- time equivalents (FTE). The number of staff on secondment or loan into the Department and recorded on the HR system on 31 October 2005 was 50 FTE. However we are in the process of improving the data coverage of our HR system and are working to include fuller information on all non-permanent departmental staff. The figure of 50 may therefore rise once the data has been improved.

Diabetes

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether a choice of insulins is made available to (a) patients and (b) to next-of-kin in cases where the patient is unable to express a preference.

Rosie Winterton: The choice of insulin is made as a result of a joint decision making process between the patient, their clinician or, when appropriate, their next-of-kin or carer.

Diabetes

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether animal insulins are generally available to treat hospital patients according to their preference.

Jane Kennedy: Animal insulins are generally available in the United Kingdom to treat patients in hospitals, as well as those in the community. It is up to the clinician, in consultation with the patient, to decide which treatment is most suitable.

Diabetes

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Department plans to arrange for pre-clinical trials of insulin analogues.

Rosie Winterton: We have no plans to undertake pre-clinical trials of insulin analogues at this time.

Diabetes

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures she is taking to ensure that people with insulin-requiring diabetes can make informed choices about alternative treatments following the discontinuation of some synthetic human insulin products.

Rosie Winterton: When a product is discontinued the choice of an alternative insulin is made as a result of a joint decision making process between the patient and their clinician. The choice of an alternative insulin should be based on a sound clinical decision based on the needs of each individual patient.

Diabetes

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will reconsider the referral of insulin treatments and their cost-effectiveness to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence with a view to developing standard guidance.

Rosie Winterton: The choice of insulin is made as a result of a joint decision making process between the patient and their clinician. Any decision should be made on a sound clinical decision based on the needs of each patient. I see no reason to refer insulin treatments to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence at this time.

Diabetes

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will incorporate the conclusions reached in the recent World Diabetes Federation position statement into her Department's guidance on insulins.

Rosie Winterton: The choice of insulin is made as a result of a joint decision making process between the patient and their clinician. The World Diabetes Federation position statement is one of a number of balanced reflections on the use of insulin, which I am sure clinicians and patients will consider along with other views as part of their decision making process.

Diabetes

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will issue guidance to the appropriate agencies that diabetes patients should have access to all animal, GM synthetic human and analogue insulin.

Rosie Winterton: There are a number of different insulin regimes available and the choice of insulin is made as a result of a joint decision making process between the patient and their clinician.

East Midlands Ambulance Service

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with East Midlands Ambulance Service on (a) its investigation into the delayed response to a 999 call by a constituent, Mr. Derek Latham, and (b) when it plans to respond to the letters from the hon. Member for Bassetlaw of April and August on this matter.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has no record of outstanding correspondence relating to this issue.
	The East Midlands Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust is in the process of responding to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw on the issues relating to its delayed response to Mr. Derek Latham.

Eye Health Services

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many eye hospitals designated as preferred providers have fully implemented a fast track referral pathway for patients with early wet age-related macular degeneration; and what her estimate is of the average waiting time for treatment following initial contact with an eye care professional.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 14 November 2005
	National health service specialised services commissioners are responsible for commissioning photodynamic therapy for age related macular degeneration. Guidance to commissioners has stressed the importance of ensuring the development of fast track systems to ensure that the time between the initial referral and the treatment is as short as possible.
	Data on average waiting times for treatment following initial contact with an eye care professional are not centrally collected. Information is, however, available on waiting times for hospital admissions for those with a primary diagnosis of degeneration of the macular and posterior pole. In 200304, the average time between a decision to admit and the date of admission was 41 days.

Fertility Treatment

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many primary care trusts in England are not providing at least one cycle of IVF to eligible couples with infertility; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the practice of primary care trusts of limiting the provision of NHS-funded infertility treatment to couples with no existing children; and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  what assessment she has made of whether primary care trusts are applying more restrictive female age criteria than the 23 to 39 years range set by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to couples seeking NHS-funded infertility treatment; and if she will make a statement;
	(4)  what action is being taken to ensure that the social eligibility criteria applied by primary care trusts to couples seeking infertility treatment is the same throughout the country.

Caroline Flint: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has carried out surveys following up the implementation of the clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems published in 2004. The surveys measuring the impact of the guideline, available on the NICE website at www.nice.org.uk, have found that 95 per cent. of the primary care trusts (PCTs) who responded are offering at least one cycle of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to those defined as eligible according to local criteria. We advised PCTs to offer a minimum of one cycle of IVF by April 2005 to those who meet the clinical criteria in the guideline, giving priority to couples with no children living with them. We also advised that we expected the national health service to make progress to full implementation of the guideline in the longer term.
	The primary responsibility for the implementation of the NICE guidelines rests with the NHS at local level, in discussion with patients' groups and local health bodies. Local policies will reflect local needs and priorities.

Health Statistics (West Lancashire)

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many individuals in West Lancashire suffer from (a) coronary heart disease, (b) stroke and (c) diabetes; and what steps are being taken to reduce the numbers of people suffering from such diseases.

Liam Byrne: There are 4,685 patients with diagnosed coronary heart disease and 3,691 patients with diabetes in the West Lancashire Primary Care Trust. Information from the West Lancashire PCT indicates that there are 1,795 patients with strokes in the West Lancashire PCT. It should be noted that the total number of diagnoses may not equate to the total number of patients as some may have more than one condition.
	West Lancashire PCT is implementing the standards contained in the National Service Frameworks (NSFs), and have implementation groups covering all disease areas. Stroke is addressed specifically in the older persons NSF and coronary heart disease and diabetes have separate working groups.
	Source:
	Department of Health statistics and PCT monitoring returns.

Healthcare Commission

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints there have been to the Healthcare Commission in each year since it was established; what the backlog is of complaints waiting to be considered by the Healthcare Commission; how many complaints have been considered and determined in each year since the Healthcare Commission was established; and what the estimated cost of considering a complaint is.

Jane Kennedy: The Healthcare Commission was established on 1 April 2004 and its function for handling complaints was introduced on 31 July 2004.
	I understand from the Chairman of the Healthcare Commission that from 31 July 2004 to 31 March 2005, 5,753 complaints were received. 830 of those were considered and determined. From April 2005 to date, 4,694 complaints have been received with 4,981 considered and determined within this period.
	The Healthcare Commission's target is for 95 per cent. of cases to be resolved within six months. There are currently 1,543 cases over six months old awaiting determination.
	The cost per case depends on the complexity of the case but typically ranges from less complex cases being in the region of 500 to those cases needing further investigation being in the region of 1,125.

Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Strategic Health Authority

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the budget of the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire strategic health authority is for 200506; and what plans she has to increase this budget for the next financial year.

Rosie Winterton: Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire strategic health authority (SHA) has a resource budget of 4.8 million for its running costs in 200506.
	The Department has not determined SHA budgets for 200607.
	It is for primary care trusts to commission services for the population that they service and we have set their revenue budgets for 200607 and 200708 to give them continued certainty of funding for three years.

Hospital Cleanliness

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to increase the standards of cleanliness in hospitals.

Jane Kennedy: The Department has a comprehensive and multi-faceted programme of work around cleaner hospitals covering a wide range of issues, including:
	setting standards that are monitored by the Healthcare Commission,
	increased investment,
	involving ward sisters and charge nurses,
	inspecting hospitals,
	awareness campaigns,
	issuing guidance and
	research into alternative cleaning and monitoring technologies.
	Hospital cleanliness is measured annually as part of the patient environment action team (PEAT) assessment. The process has been reviewed this year, and the proportion of the assessment form that relates to cleanliness, as opposed to other environmental factors has increased from around 11 per cent. to almost 25 per cent.
	The inspection standards for hospital cleanliness have been made tougher year on year.

Hospital Travel Costs Scheme

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she plans to alter the income eligibility threshold above which help is not available under the hospital travel costs scheme.

Jane Kennedy: The hospital travel cost scheme is part of the national health service low income scheme and there are currently no plans to alter the low income scheme eligibility criteria.

Independent Nurse Pharmacist Prescribing

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her written statement of 10 November 2005, Official Report, column 24WS, on Independent Nurse Pharmacist Prescribing, whether independent nurse prescribers allowed to prescribe controlled drugs will continue to be allowed to do so when the relevant regulations are amended; and if she will list the controlled drugs nurses are currently able to prescribe independently.

Jane Kennedy: The nurse prescribers' extended formulary currently includes the following controlled drugs:
	diazepam, lorazepam and midazolam for use in palliative care only;
	codeine phosphate, dihydrocodeine tartrate and co-phenotrope.
	These controlled drugs will continue to be prescribable by extended formulary nurse prescribers.
	A further six controlled drugs will shortly be added, subject to amendment of all relevant regulations, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2005 and the Prescription Only Medicines Order 1997.

Influenza Pandemic

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support she is providing to pharmaceutical companies to provide mock-up vaccines against possible strains of pandemic influenza.

Caroline Flint: A specific pandemic flu vaccine cannot be manufactured until the exact flu strain is known. The Department has met with vaccine manufacturers to discuss their preparedness for a flu pandemic and their progress towards producing a mock up vaccine.
	We are working closely with other countries, the World Health Organization, and the European Commission and are in regular dialogue with manufacturers to ensure that a vaccine can be developed as quickly as possible once a pandemic influenza strain emerges. This will allow us to put arrangements in place to ensure production of vaccine for the United Kingdom population.

Influenza Pandemic

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in (a) Staffordshire and (b) England have received a free influenza vaccine.

Caroline Flint: The percentage uptake of those aged 65 and over immunised in Staffordshire at the end of October was 53 per cent. The percentage of at risk groups vaccinated was 31 per cent.
	The number of people in England immunised at the end of October was 49 per cent. in those aged 65 and over and 25 per cent. in at risk groups.

Learning Disability

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether an individual with an IQ of 70 or above meets the definition of learning disability used in Valuing People if they also have a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn new skills, and a reduced ability to cope independently, which started before adulthood and has a lasting effect on their development.

Liam Byrne: Considering intelligence quotient (IQ) alone is not sufficient to determine whether someone meets the definition of learning disability. An IQ slightly above 70, if associated with impaired social functioning may mean that services view someone as having a learning disability.
	However, an IQ substantially above 70, even if associated with impaired social functioning, would mean that someone would not be considered to have a learning disability. Valuing People covers adults with autism who also have learning disabilities. It is for local service providers to assess the individual's need, look at the balance between the determining factors and decide on the appropriate services to meet those needs.

Medical Staff (Hertfordshire)

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many accident and emergency (a) consultants, (b) middle grade doctors, (c) junior doctors and (d) nursing staff were employed by the West Hertfordshire NHS trust at 31 March (i) 2002, (ii) 2003, (iii) 2004 and (iv) 2005; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The following table shows the number of hospital, public health medicine and community health services, medical staff employed by West Hertfordshire hospital national health service trust within the accident and emergency (A and E) medicine specialty by grade and year. It is not possible to identify A and E nurses separately.
	
		Hospital, public health medicine and community health services (HCHS) medical staff employed by West Hertfordshire hospitals NHS trust within the A and E medicine specialty by grade and year(41)
		
			 Number (headcount) 
			  2002 2003 2004 2005(42) 
		
		
			 All staff 26 29 33 (43) 
			 Of which: 
			 Consultant 6 5 4 6 
			 Non-consultant career grade staff 4 4 2 (43) 
			 Doctors in training and equivalents(44) 15 18 26 (43) 
			 Other staff 1 2 1 (43) 
		
	
	(41) All data as at 30 September each year, except for 2005 where data as at 30 June.
	(42) Data for June 2005 is taken from the Medical and Dental Workforce Mini Census which collected consultants only.
	(43) Denotes not available.
	(44) Doctors in training and equivalents (previously known as junior doctors) includes the registrar group, senior house officer, house officer and other staff working at equivalent grades that are not in an educationally approved post.
	Source:
	NHS Health and Social Care Information Centre medical and dental workforce census.

Mental Health

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was budgeted for (a) talking therapies and (b) drugs for the treatment of mental health patients in the last year for which figures are available.

Rosie Winterton: None of the latest round of allocations made to primary care trusts (PCTs) for 200304 to 200506 has been identified for specific purposes. It is for PCTs, in partnership with strategic health authorities and other local stakeholders, to determine how to use the funds allocated to them to meet the health care needs of their populations.
	The 200405 National Survey of Investment in Mental Health Services reported that in 200405 planned investment by adult mental health service providers on psychological therapy services was 141,378,000. The survey did not capture planned investment on prescription costs. It is available on the Department's website at: www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/11/52/96/04115296.pdf

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many black and ethnic minority mental health services she expects to participate in the race equality impact assessment for the draft Mental Health Bill;
	(2)  what community involvement there has been in arranging the community consultation as part of the race equality impact assessment for the draft Mental Health Bill;
	(3)  on what date the race equality impact assessment for the draft Mental Health Bill began;
	(4)  whether the Department has followed the Commission for Racial Equality guidelines in the race equality impact assessment for the draft Mental Health Bill.

Rosie Winterton: A formal race equality impact assessment (REIA) on the Mental Health Bill began at the end of 2004. Prior to this, the Bill and the preceding Green Paper received a wide consultation over a period of four years with various parties including black and minority ethnic (BME) stakeholders.
	Officials conducted a series of roadshows after the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill in September 2004, at which BME communities and stakeholder groups participated. The pre-legislative scrutiny committee also received substantial written and oral evidence from BME stakeholders.
	We have also published our action plan to tackle racial discrimination in mental health services Delivering Race Equality, January 2005, which also covered our response to the David Bennett inquiry. These factors have influenced our decision to re-examine the concerns expressed by BME stakeholders about the Bill, and to our carrying out a formal REIA on the Bill before its introduction, in accordance with current race relations legislation. We have had close regard to the Commission for Racial Equality's (CRE's) guidance in undertaking the REIA, and Officials met with the CRE to discuss our approach.
	As an initial part of the process we planned a series of regional meetings with service users and carers from the BME stakeholder community this spring. These events were cancelled when the general election was called. However, we have since established an advisory group chaired by Rabinder Singh, QC, whose report we expect to receive shortly, and which will inform the REIA which is to be published with the Bill.
	The advisory group's summer workshop assessed the potential impact of the Bill. We have more recently held regional consultations attended by more than 200 people, mostly BME service users, carers and community groups. These events were organised with the help of race equality leads from the care services improvement partnership, a relatively new and powerful resource. These leads have strong and extensive links with the communities they serve, enabling events such as these to be organised quickly. Again, the outcome of these events will feed into the REIA when this is published.
	We remain confident that these processes will identify the key concerns that will enable us to respond to the REIA. We are also considering with the BME mental health network what further consultation(s) might be possible before the Bill is introduced. We will continue to engage with BME stakeholders as the Bill progresses through Parliament. We consider that it is particularly important to secure the strong engagement of BME stakeholders in developing the code of practice for the Bill, and the Bill's implementation.

Midwifery

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many midwifery assistants have been employed by Southampton University Hospitals Trust in each of the last five years.

Caroline Flint: This information is not collected centrally by the Department.

MRSA

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of MRSA have been identified in hospitals within Cumbria in each year since March 2003, broken down by national health service trust.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 21 November 2005
	The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			  North Cumbria National Health Service Trust Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust 
		
		
			 April 2003 to March 2004   
			 Number of methicillin resistant Staphylococus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia reports 22 30 
			 MRSA rate per 1,000 bed days 0.09 0.10 
			
			 April 2004 to March 2005   
			 Number of MRSA bacteraemia reports 24 30 
			 MRSA rate per 1000 bed days(45) 0.10 0.10 
		
	
	(45) Per 1,000 bed days data is provisional, as final 200405 activity data is not available.
	Note:
	Data is only collected for acute trusts.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement about the funding of genetic research into myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Liam Byrne: The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body funded by the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology.
	The MRC does not normally allocate funds to particular topics: research proposals in all areas compete for the funding available. When appropriate, high quality research in particular areas of strategic importance may be given priority in competition for funds, but research excellence and importance to health continues to be the primary considerations in funding decisions. The MRC always welcomes high quality applications for support into any aspect of human health and these are judged in open competition with other demands on funding.

NHS Estates

John Maples: To ask the Secretary of State for Health who the chief executive of NHS Estates is; what relevant specialist qualifications he or she holds; and what the details are of his or her career to date.

Jane Kennedy: The post of chief executive of NHS Estates no longer exists. In July 2004, the Department published the report Reconfiguration of the Department of Health's Arm's Length Bodies, which outlined its programme of reducing arm's length bodies by approximately 50 per cent. One of the outcomes of the report was to abolish NHS Estates as an executive agency. The agency ceased all trading with effect from 31 July 2005 and closed on 30 September 2005.

NHS Staff (Assaults)

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many reported physical assaults against NHS staff there were in (a) England, (b) each strategic health authority and (c) each NHS trust in each year since 1997.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested was not collected in the required format prior to April 2004. The NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) has collected data on the number of physical assaults for England for the period 200405. On 19 October 2005, NHS SMS released figures about the numbers of these assaults on staff who work in mental health or services for people with learning disabilities; which totalled 43,309. Information relating to the number of physical assaults for the acute, primary care and ambulance services is currently being validated and will be released in the near future.

Non-EU Nationals (Hospital Treatment)

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated number of non-EU nationals who received hospital treatment in England in 200405; what the estimated cost is; how many were long-term cases; how many were asylum seekers; and if she will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: Successive governments have not required the national health service to provide statistics on the number or nationality of overseas visitors treated under the provisions of the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989, as amended, or on the costs of treatment. It is therefore not possible to provide the information requested.

Palliative Care

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many palliative care places for (a) cancer patients and (b) heart patients there are in each local health authority area in England.

Rosie Winterton: Palliative care services should be available to all patients, irrespective of diagnosis. The Department does not routinely collect data on palliative care places in each local health authority. Data supplied by Hospice Information, an independent organisation, states that there are approximately 2,110 specialist palliative care beds in the voluntary sector and 448 beds in the NHS in England. We also know that there are 213 day care places in England. The data in the 2005 directory is shown in the table.
	
		Palliative care places
		
			  Adult units NHS units Voluntary units Beds NHS beds Voluntary beds 
		
		
			 London 17 6 11 394 86 308 
			 Midland and East of England 42 12 30 592 154 438 
			 North 62 12 50 840 94 746 
			 South 53 12 41 772 154 618 
			 England 174 42 132 2,598 488 2,110

Patient Safety

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what was the cost of the taxonomy produced by the National Patient Safety Agency to establish agreed definitions of patient safety incidents;
	(2)  for what reasons the roll-out of the National Patient Safety Agency's National Reporting and Learning System was delayed, as described in paragraph 17, page 5 of the National Audit Office report, A Safer Place for Patients;
	(3)  what steps she is taking to ensure NHS trusts report all (a) patient safety incidents and (b) near-misses;
	(4)  if she will permit the National Clinical Assessment Service to provide support to poorly performing clinicians other than doctors;
	(5)  what steps she is taking to ensure that patients are informed when a patient safety incident involving them is reported to the NHS trust in which they were treated.

Jane Kennedy: The Department welcomed the publication of the matters identified in the National Audit Office report, A safer place for patients: Learning to improve patient safety. It will be discussed in detail at a committee of public accounts hearing early in 2006. The Government will respond to the committee's subsequent report in the form of a Treasury Minute.

Patient Safety

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many recorded deaths there were as a result of patient safety incidents in 2004 at (a) Hemel Hempstead general hospital and (b) Watford general hospital; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.
	Anonymised information on patient safety incidents and near misses is collected by the National Patient Safety Agency through its national reporting and learning system for adverse events. However, this is a confidential reporting system because experience from across the world in both health and other industries that providing a means for reporting incidents confidentially promotes reporting and facilitates the necessary learning.

Patient Safety

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) recorded patient safety incidents and (b) near misses there were in 2004 at (i) Hemel Hempstead general hospital and (ii) Watford general hospital; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.
	Anonymised information on patient safety incidents and near misses is collected by the National Patient Safety Agency through its national reporting and learning system for adverse events. However, this is a confidential reporting system because experience from across the world in both health and other industries that providing a means for reporting incidents confidentially promotes reporting and facilitates the necessary learning.

Primary Care Trusts

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if her Department will conduct a review into effects on NHS care of changes proposed in the West Suffolk primary care trust's public consultation.

Rosie Winterton: West Suffolk primary care trust is currently consulting on proposed changes. It would be inappropriate for the Department to review proposals in these circumstances. These are matters currently for local consideration.

Primary Care Trusts

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on progress with the proposed reform of primary care trusts in London.

Jane Kennedy: Strategic health authorities (SHAs) have recently submitted their proposals for the reconfiguration of primary care trusts (PCTs), which set out how they intend to strengthen their commissioning function. The proposals for London are available from the SHA. These proposals have been assessed by an independent external panel drawn from and representing a wide range of stakeholder interests, to determine whether the SHA proposals meet the criteria stipulated in Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS (July 2005). Where the criteria are judged to have been met, the proposals will go forward to a three-month public consultation. No decisions on the reorganisation of PCTs will be taken until this process has been completed.

Prisons

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 2 November 2005, Official Report, column 1126W, on prisons, where sexual activity in prisons is permitted; and whether she has issued guidance, regulations or directions to HM Prison Service regarding sexual activity in prisons.

Fiona Mactaggart: I have been asked to reply.
	The facts and purposes of custody, including the need to protect the vulnerable and to maintain good order and discipline, mean that it would be inappropriate for prisons to condone or encourage sexual activity between prisoners. However, the Prison Service recognises that sex in prisons is a reality and prison doctors were advised in 1995 that they should make condoms available to individual prisoners, on application, if in their clinical judgment, there is a risk of transmission of HIV infection during sexual activity. The Prison Service is planning to issue, in 2006, revised guidance and instructions which aim to clarify the policy on condoms so that it can be applied more evenly across the prison estate. The intention is to preserve individuals' health rather than to encourage sexual relationships.

Prostate Cancer

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to support the development of screening technology for prostate cancer; and how much funding has been provided from (a) her Department and (b) the Medical Research Council for this purpose in each year since 199798.

Rosie Winterton: The Department supports the development of screening technology for prostate cancer by having a comprehensive research strategy into all aspects of prostate cancer. By providing both funding and structure we are improving the knowledge base of prostate cancer, opening up new possibilities for screening, treatment, care, etc.
	We are jointly with other National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) members, such as the Medical Research Council, funding two NCRI prostate cancer collaboratives, one based at the University of Cambridge and the other at the Institute of Cancer Research. The Department is funding half of the total 7.4 million cost.
	The research undertaken by the collaboratives covers all aspects of prostate cancer and has already generated the groundbreaking discovery of the overactive E2F3 gene in prostate cancer tumours. This discovery provides the potential not only to identify those at risk of developing the disease, but for the first time allows the prediction of how aggressive the cancer will be.
	It is important to note that in order for a screening technology to contribute to saving lives it is essential for there to be effective treatments for the disease detected. That is why the Department is funding a 20 million trial of treatments for prostate specific antigen (PSA) screen-detected early prostate cancer (the ProtecT trial).
	The Department directly commissioned funding for prostate cancer research, including screening, as shown in the table.
	
		Commissioned funding for prostate cancer research, including screening, 19992000 to 200405
		
			  Funding amount () 
		
		
			 19992000 200,000 
			 200001 1,200,000 
			 200102 2,200,000 
			 200203 3,200,000 
			 200304 4,200,000 
			 200405 4,200,000 
		
	
	The level of funding of 4.2 million will be maintained for future years, subject to the quality of research proposals.

Room for Review

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  for what reasons timescale for the publication of part one of the Taskforce on Medicine Partnership's evaluation of Room for Review was changed;
	(2)  pursuant to her answer of 14 July 2005, Official Report, column 1198W, when publication of part two of the Taskforce on Medicine Partnership's evaluation of Room for Review will take place.

Jane Kennedy: The plan was to publish both parts, part one on the survey of primary care trusts (PCTs) and part two on the views of patients, at the same time. As part two of the evaluation involved patients, ethics approval was required, which took longer than expected. To avoid further delay in sharing the results from the PCT survey, part one of the evaluation was published in March 2005. It is expected that the report of part two of the evaluation will be available by the end of 2006.

St George's Hospital, Hornchurch

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the future of St. George's Hospital, Hornchurch.

Rosie Winterton: Any plans relating to the reconfiguration of service of St. Georges hospital in Hornchurch. Are a matter for Havering primary care trust (PCT) as PCTs are responsible for commissioning services for the population that they serve.

Tamiflu

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what distribution arrangements will be made for Tamiflu to ensure it is taken shortly after onset of symptoms.

Caroline Flint: Antivirals will provide the first form of defence against pandemic influenza. We have purchased 14.6 million courses of oseltamivir, Tamiflu, to treat the 25 per cent. of the population that may fall ill. Deliveries will be complete by September 2006 and we have published a framework for the national health service for stockpiling, distributing and using antivrals which is available on the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk/pandemicflu.
	Primary care trusts will be responsible for developing plans to enable patients to access antivirals. The overall aim is to ensure that antiviral medicines are available to treat patients suffering from influenza as soon as possible and within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. As more information about the virus and its symptoms emerges, we will develop clinical definitions of the disease and Tamiflu will be distributed on this basis.

West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her latest estimate is of the outturn against planned expenditure in 200506 of West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The latest financial year for which the audited financial information of all national health service organisations, strategic health authorities, primary care trusts and NHS trusts, is available is 200405. A copy of this information is available in the Library. It can also be accessed via the Department's website at: www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/FreedomOfInformation/ClassesOfInformation/fs/en. The final position for West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust for 200405 is an overspend against their revenue resource limit of 10 million.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Carers

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of benefits available to carers;
	(2)  what his estimate is of the number of carers (a) in England and (b) in the county of Devon, broken down by local authority area, who are not taking up their entitlement to benefits.

Anne McGuire: Carers may be entitled to the full range of social security benefits depending on their individual circumstances. Information and advice about entitlement to carer's allowance and other benefits are available from a range of outlets including social security offices, Jobcentre Plus offices, DWP and other helplines, DWP and other internet sites, local authorities, Citizens Advice and welfare benefit offices, public libraries, health clinics, doctors' surgeries and health visitors. Officials from the Department's disability and carers service also discuss carer's allowance at outreach events up and down the country.
	In addition, the extensive pension credit take-up campaign, recently mounted by the Pension Service, has helped many older carers to benefit from the Government's abolition of the upper age limit on claims to carer's allowance and provided advice on other benefits.
	The carer's allowance claim pack is kept under review and improvements are introduced on an ongoing basis. Claims can be made in writing, by phone and on-line, and can be accepted by organisations such as Age Concern and Citizens Advice as well as DWP offices.
	Entitlement to benefits for carers depends on whether the qualifying conditions are satisfied, and this can be reliably established only after a claim has been made. There are no data available which would provide an estimate of the number of carers who would meet the conditions for these benefits if they claimed.

Carers

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of how many recipients of carers' allowance ceased to receive it on reaching pensionable age in each of the last five years;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the savings to his Department arising from ceasing to pay carers' allowance to carers on reaching pensionable age, broken down by region.

Anne McGuire: The available information is in the following table.
	The rules which preclude the payment in full of more than one non-income-related benefit for income maintenance purposes are common to a wide range of benefits. Payment of carer's allowance is withdrawn from carers who receive state pension, either in full where the weekly rate of state pension exceeds the weekly rate of carer's allowance, or in part where the weekly rate of state pension is less than the weekly rate of carer's allowance. This means that carers of state pension age 1 receive at least as much by way of state benefits as they did before state pension age. They may retain entitlement to carer's allowance for so long as they continue to meet the entitlement conditions and, if they have a low income, may also be entitled to pension credit which includes an additional amount for carers, currently 25.80 per week.
	Estimates of (i) the number of people in Great Britain who ceased to be paid carer's allowance when state pension became payable to them and (ii) what the cost would have been of continuing to pay the allowance to them.
	1 State pension age is 60 for women and 65 for men.
	
		
			  12-month period ending on 31 May 
			  2004 2005 
		
		
			 Estimated number of people in the period to whom carer's allowance ceased to be paid when state pension became payable(46) 4,100 6,800 
			 Estimated cost if carer's allowance had been paid to the end of the period ( million)(47) 4.8 8.1 
		
	
	(46) Figures are rounded to the nearest 100.
	(47) Estimates exclude increases for adult dependants and assume that (a) the dates on which people started to receive state pension were evenly distributed throughout the period; and (b) those people would have continued to meet the entitlement conditions for carer's allowance after state pension became payable.
	Note:
	From August 2003, figures are drawn from a new 100 per cent. data source, the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS). Owing to the limitations of earlier data it is not possible to provide estimates for earlier 12 month periods.
	Source:
	DWP Information DirectorateWork and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) and 100 per cent. samples.

Child Support Agency

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the oral answer of 16 November 2005 from the Prime Minister to the right hon. Member for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Official Report, column 964, what plans he has to (a) reform and (b) abolish the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: The Child Support Agency's chief executive, Stephen Geraghty, is currently undertaking a root and branch review of the agency. He will report to Ministers and we will make announcements shortly.

Media Relations

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much the Department has spent on external media relations in each month of the last year.

Anne McGuire: This information is not available and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Overseas Pensioners

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of British pensioners living in Commonwealth countries who have paid pension contributions and who do not receive pension increments;
	(2)  what representations he has received from British pensioners living in Commonwealth countries on payment of pension increments;
	(3)  whether he plans to change the current law affecting pensions entitlement for British pensioners living in Commonwealth countries.

Stephen Timms: We uprate the state pension in countries with which the UK has a reciprocal agreement or a legal obligation to do so. There are some 490,000 recipients of a UK state pension living in Commonwealth countries with which we do not have reciprocal agreements. We do, from time to time, receive correspondence from recipients who do not benefit from uprating of their state pension. However, we have no plans to change the current arrangements.
	Source: DWP Information DirectorateWork and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100 per cent. data.

Pension Credit

Anthony D Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in Great Yarmouth constituency are in receipt of pension credit; how much they receive on average; what estimate he has made of the number who are eligible; and what steps he is (a) taking and (b) plans to take to encourage those who are not claiming pension credit to do so.

Stephen Timms: The average weekly pension credit payment to household recipients in Great Yarmouth as at June 2005 is 40.03. Information on numbers of households and individuals in receipt of pension credit at 30 June 2005 is contained in the most recent quarterly Pension Credit progress report published on 20 October. A copy of the report is in the Library.
	It is becoming clear that the number of people who are eligible for pension credit is somewhat less than the initial estimate. National statistics showing the number of pensioners entitled to pension credit at a national level in the first six months after its introduction and the subsequent take-up rate are expected to be available in December. Information at constituency level will not be available. The date of release of these statistics and the publication plans for the following set, covering 2004/05, will be pre-announced in National Statistics Updates; the diary of statistical releases.
	Steps are being taken to ensure that everyone who is likely to be entitled to pension credit knows what they need to do to take up their entitlement. A letter has been sent out to every pensioner household to inform them about pension credit. New marketing campaigns have been developed to target regions and demographic groups that have a low take-up of pension credit. Data-matching techniques are being used to increase the accuracy with which invitations are targeted and further contact is also being made with those households we believe to be eligible for pension credit, but who have not so far responded.
	The Pension Service's Local Service continues to work closely with local partners such as Help the Aged, Age Concern to help ensure pensioners take up their entitlements.

Pensions

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Gravesham (a) received the state pension and (b) (i) applied for and (ii) received the pension credit in each of the last five years; and what the average pension credit payment was in each year.

Stephen Timms: The available information is in the tables. Information on the number of people who have applied for pension credit is not available in respect of individual constituencies, pension credit was introduced from October 2003. Information on numbers of households and individuals in receipt of pension credit at 30 June 2005 is contained in the most recent quarterly Pension Credit progress report published on 20 October. The report is available in the Library.
	
		Number of people in Gravesham parliamentary constituency receiving pension credit and the average weekly amount
		
			  Household recipients Individual beneficiaries Average weekly amount () 
		
		
			 May 2005 3,900 4,800 40.46 
			 May 2004 3,600 4,300 39.65 
			 November 2003 2,900 3,400 41.68 
		
	
	
		Number of people in Gravesham parliamentary constituency receiving state pension in each of the last five years
		
			 May Claimants 
		
		
			 2005 17,100 
			 2004 16,900 
			 2003 16,800 
			 2002 16,600 
			 2001 16,300 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. May 2001 state pension data are taken from 5 per cent. extract of PSCS as at 31 March 2005, thus figures are subject to a degree of sampling variation. They are also adjusted to be consistent with the overall GB/overseas caseload from the WPLS.
	2. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and expressed in thousands.
	3. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory.
	4. Pension credit replaced minimum income guarantee (MIG) in October 2003.
	Source:
	Information Directorate 5 per cent. sample
	DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (100 per cent. data).

Pensions

Malcolm Rifkind: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his latest estimate is of the number of single women pensioners who live below the poverty threshold.

Stephen Timms: The seventh annual Opportunity for All report (Cm 6673) sets out the Government's strategy for tackling poverty and social exclusion and reports progress against a range of indicators.
	The table shows the number and percentage of single women pensioners living in households in relative and absolute low income. They show that in 200304 there were 700,000 single women pensioners living in households in relative low income, measured after housing coststhe number in relative low income has fallen by almost a half since 199607.
	
		Relative low income(48)
		
			  Number (million) Percentage 
		
		
			 After housing costs   
			 199697 1.2 37 
			 200304 0.7 21 
			
			 Before housing costs   
			 199697 0.9 26 
			 200304 0.8 24 
		
	
	(48) i.e. based on contemporary income thresholds.
	
		Absolute low income(49)
		
			  Number (million) Percentage 
		
		
			 After housing costs   
			 199697 1.2 37 
			 200304 0.3 11 
			
			 Before housing costs   
			 199697 0.9 26 
			 200304 0.4 13 
		
	
	(49) i.e. based on 199697 income thresholds held constant in real terms.
	Notes:
	1. Figures are for Great Britain.
	2. Data are from the Family Resources Survey based on HBAI methodology.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress towards the establishment of a comprehensive legal system in Afghanistan; and what assistance the UK is providing for this process.

Kim Howells: The creation and consolidation of a national Afghan government and institutions, including a comprehensive legal system, will be the key to establishing long-term stability and security within Afghanistan. After nearly three decades of war, these institutions needed to be created from scratch.
	Italy is the G8 lead nation for Afghan justice reform, of which legal reform is a part. The UK is the G8 lead nation on Counter Narcotics (CN) and is working in support of the Afghan government's eight pillar 2005 implementation plan, of which criminal justice is a key pillar.
	We are spending over 270 million over the three financial years 200506, 200607 and 200708 on CN activity. Over 50 per cent. of the UK's budget for Afghan CN will go towards law enforcement and criminal justice; we are doubling our previously planned expenditure on criminal justice. The Government of Afghanistan, with our support, is on track to put in place the key foundations of a CN criminal justice system. This includes a new counter narcotics law, which is currently being drafted and is due to be finalised by the end of this year. The UK has also worked with the international community to recruit and train a CN Criminal Justice Task Force of Afghan investigators, prosecutors and judges, currently 80-strong, to work with the CN Police, to be able to push through successful investigations and prosecutions. The Criminal Justice Task Force has made 150 convictions since it became operational in May and are currently investigating 247 cases.

Afghanistan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress the UK has made in delivering capability in its lead responsibility for counter-narcotics in Afghanistan.

Kim Howells: The UK, as lead nation on counter narcotics (CN), remains committed to supporting the Afghan Government in the implementation of their comprehensive 2005 CN Implementation Plan. A UK advisor is also currently working with the Ministry of Counter Narcotics Strategy Unit to update the National Drugs Control Strategy for the new five-year period. We continue to work with the Afghan Government and others to increase activity in all areas of their strategy. As well as co-ordinating the activity of international partners, we are providing substantial financial and practical support, spending over 270 million over the three financial years 200506, 200607 and 200708 on CN activity.
	Significant steps have already been taken to build Afghan capacity to tackle the drugs problem. At the end of last year, the Government of Afghanistan established the Ministry of Counter Narcotics charged with co-ordinating the fight against drugs. This year, the Ministry has organised on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan a series of high profile provincial CN jirgasmeetings of local leaders, to persuade local communities to not plant poppy this year, these meetings have taken place with the support of our ambassador in Kabul. The UK is funding a 12.5 million Institution Development project to further strengthen the Ministry of Counter Narcotics and other institutions in Afghanistan. On 29 October, a CN Trust Fund was officially launched at the Afghan Ministry of Finance. The Fund will give the Government of Afghanistan more money for CN activities and greater say over how this money is spent.
	The UK has helped to establish and provide training for the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA)the lead drugs law enforcement agency, headquartered in Kabul with seven provincial offices. The CNPA is currently around 500 strong, but will be expanded further to give it the capacity to operate nation-wide. The UK is also providing training for the Afghan Special Narcotics Force (ASNF), an elite and highly trained force equipped to tackle high value targets across the country. Since January 2004, the CNPA and ASNF have seized approximately 150 tonnes of opiates, destroyed over 264 drugs labs and made a significant number of arrests.
	We are also working with the international community to recruit and train a counter narcotics Criminal Justice Task Force of Afghan investigators, prosecutors and judges to work with the Counter Narcotics Police, to be able to push through successful drugs investigations and prosecutions. The Criminal Justice Task Force is currently around 80 strong and made its first convictions in May this year for drug trafficking in Kabul. President Karzai also signed off a decree on 25 July, to establish Counter Narcotics divisions in Kabul's primary and appeals courts with jurisdiction over the whole of Afghanistan.

Ambassadors

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  if he will list the frais allowance for each UK ambassador for each of the past five years;
	(2)  what methods of accounting and audit UK ambassadors frais allowances are subject to; and if he will make a statement.

Jack Straw: Heads of Mission receive frais de representation (Frais) and some other senior officers receive frais-type allowances to enable them to offer official entertainment in support of Government objectives. These allowances are individually assessed on the basis of previous budgetary evidence, agreed adjustments to reflect local costs and practice and the needs of the job.
	Officers in receipt of Frais are required to provide a certificate of expenditure against Frais at the end of each financial year and at the end of their posting. They are required to keep an account of expenditure to provide evidence that it was necessarily incurred in the public service, that costs were not covered elsewhere, e.g. through personal allowances, and that the amount spent was reasonable. The accounts are subject to audit by Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) auditors and form the basis for reviewing subsequent Frais allocations.
	I am arranging for a copy of a schedule showing the information on individual Frais allocations to be placed in the Library of the House.
	Arrangements for Frais will shortly change. Budget allocations will be devolved from the centre from 1 April 2006 and new accounting arrangements will be brought in thereafter, as the FCO's new financial management IT system is rolled out to posts.

China

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Chinese Government regarding alleged abuse of those who protest against the one child policy in China; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: We regularly raise concerns about abuses of human rights activists in China, including those who peacefully protest against the one child policy. Under the UK presidency, the EU raised the case of Chen Guang-Cheng, who is one such activist, with the Chinese Government in October and November 2005.

China

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of China about the cases of (a) Mao Hengfeng and (b) Chen Guangcheng; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: We regularly raise individual human rights cases with the Chinese Government. The EU has raised the cases of Mao Heng-Feng and Chen Guang-Cheng with the Chinese Government several times. Mao Heng-Feng's case was included on the list of individual cases handed to the Chinese at the October 2005 round of the EU/China Human Rights Dialogue. The EU, under the UK's presidency, raised the case of Chen Guang-Cheng with the Chinese Government in October and November 2005.

Common Foreign and Security Policy

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the EU stability instrument upon the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

Douglas Alexander: It is clearly important that there should be no overlap or lack of coherence between the proposed new stability instrument and work undertaken under Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Discussions on the scope, objectives and programming of the Stability Instrument continue in Brussels. We have been working with others to ensure that the new Regulation defines what activities may be funded under the Instrument in a very clear way and that member states have sufficient control over programmes to ensure close co-ordination with CFSP actions, while still enabling the Commission to act flexibly, quickly and effectively in response to crises.

Cote d'Ivoire

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on future elections in Cote d'Ivoire.

Ian Pearson: Presidential elections scheduled for 30 October were postponed. This was due to a delay in the preparations required to make free and fair elections possible. The African Union and the UN Security Council have since called for elections to be held within the next 12 months. The onus now is on the Ivorian government and opposition parties, with the support of the international community, to ensure that elections occur in the given timeframe and are free, fair, credible and transparent. We are urging all those involved to take the necessary steps towards this objective.

Date-based Export Scheme

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the European Commission regarding the lifting of the date-based export scheme; and when the scheme will be lifted.

Douglas Alexander: holding answer 22 November 2005
	The Government are in regular contact with the European Commission at all levels about lifting the beef export ban which will end the need for the date-based export scheme.
	I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr. Bradshaw) today (UIN 2052).

Democratic Republic of Congo

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the Government are giving to the (a) demobilisation, disarmament and integration into civilian society and (b) integration into the national army of the members of militias in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ian Pearson: We continue to press the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to accelerate its efforts to disarm militias and integrate all combatants into the national army or civilian life.
	The UK has committed 25 million over five years to the Multi-Donor Regional programme for disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration (MDRP).
	The UK has also contributed two of the eight officers in the EU's Security Sector Reform Mission (EUSEC). This has recommended action to the DRC Government to speed up disarmament and army integration and to improve the transparency of paying its soldiers. We have offered the DRC Government US$5million to support newly-integrated brigades, if they implement the EU's recommendations.

Departmental Staff

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in encouraging ethnic minority recruitment within his Department.

Jack Straw: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is fully committed to improving the diversity of its workforce. Part of the FCO's work towards achieving this goal is positive action, involving the encouragement of candidates from under-represented groups to enter and progress in the organisation. Along with the rest of the civil service, we are committed to improving the representation of these groups, while ensuring that all recruitment and promotion is fair and achieved on merit.
	The FCO participates in the Summer Development programme, which is a Cabinet Office run programme offering minority ethnic graduates the chance of working within Government Departments each summer. In 2005 we took on 10 participants, all of whom spent part of the summer working in an overseas mission.
	We place advertisements for our generalist recruitment campaigns in the following minority ethnic newspapers and magazines: Works for Me, The Voice and the Ethnic Media News covering Eastern Eye, India Weekly, Asian Times, Caribbean Times, African Times and New Nation. We also advertise throughout the year in a number of minority ethnic publications and websites aimed at school leavers and graduates.
	The following statistics show that, although the percentage of minority ethnic staff in the FCO has remained constant since 2002, recent recruitment figures show that there has been an increase in the number of minority ethnic recruits across the grades in 2005.
	
		
			  Total staff Minority ethnic 
		
		
			 April 2002 5,678 326 (5.7%) 
			 April 2003 5,915 338 (5.7%) 
			 October 2005 6,014 345 (5.7%) 
		
	
	
		FCO Minority ethnic recruitment statistics
		
			   Total recruited Minority ethnic (percentage) 
		
		
			 C4 Policy Entrants   
			 2004 21 9 
			 2005 24 21 
			
			 B3 Operational entrants 
			 2004 25 8 
			 2005 30 23 
			
			 A2 Executive assistants 
			 2004 14 0 
			 2005 17 41 
			
			 Al Admin assistants   
			 2004 29 52 
			 2005 65 51 
		
	
	As this data illustrates more progress on this issue is necessary.

Ethiopia

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures are being taken to help people residing in the United Kingdom reclaim properties in Ethiopia that were confiscated between 1977 and 1991 under the Derg regime of Colonel Mengistu Haile Mariam; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: Compensation for claims registered against the Derg regime was managed by the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance, which dealt directly with the individual claimants through the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office did not espouse these claims, but we did assist claimants with finding local lawyers to prepare and submit their claims. As far as we are aware the deadline for submitting claims expired in June 2001.

EU Secondary Legislation

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of EU secondary legislation has been passed under first round reading agreements between the European Parliament and Council in each year since such fast track procedures came into operation.

Douglas Alexander: Since the entry into force of the treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999, when the more streamlined co-decision procedure came into operation, the following proportion of legislation was concluded at first reading. From 1 May 1999 to 31 December 2000, of 82 co-decision matters, 19.5 per cent.16 cases, were concluded at first reading. In 2001, of 78 co-decision matters, 29.5 per cent.23 cases, were concluded at first reading. In 2002, of 79 co-decision matters, 25.3 per cent.20 cases, were concluded at first reading. In 2003, of 104 co-decision matters, 36.5 per cent.38 cases, were concluded at first reading. In 2004, of 85 co-decision matters, 60.0 per cent.51 cases, were concluded at first reading. From 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005, of 39 co-decision matters, 56.4 per cent.22 cases were concluded at first reading.

EU-ASEAN Meetings

Vera Baird: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the EU expects to make a decision on the approach it will take to participating in the EU-ASEAN meetings in July 2006, chaired by Burma.

Ian Pearson: Burma announced on 26 July that it would not be taking over the Chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2006. Burma will not therefore be chairing any EU/ASEAN meetings in July 2006.
	Malaysia is the current chair of ASEAN and will host the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference and the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia from 2428 July 2006.

Guantanamo Bay

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress of the US in bringing the suspected terrorists detained at Guantanamo Bay to trial.

Kim Howells: The trial of those detained at Guantanamo Bay is currently subject to debate in the US Congress.

Nigeria

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with his counterpart in Nigeria measures to deal with email scams emanating from there.

Ian Pearson: We are helping the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to develop the capacity to tackle e-mail fraud as well as other forms of financial crime. The Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act was passed in 1995. The Nigerian Government have proposed draft legislation to strengthen the law and make it easier to catch and prosecute fraudsters, including through increased monitoring of email traffic in cybercafes and telecommunications companies.
	We regularly raise the issue of financial crime with the Nigerian authorities and will continue to do so. It was discussed at the UK/Nigeria ministerial bilateral forum on judicial co-operation, attended by the then Nigerian Attorney-General, in May 2005.

Poland

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has extended his congratulations to the newly elected (a) Prime Minister and (b) President of Poland.

Douglas Alexander: pursuant to the reply, 10 November 2005, Official Report, c. 747W
	It was my right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, and not I, who congratulated the new Polish Foreign Minister.

Sharm el-Sheikh (Bombing)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) support and (b) financial assistance has been given to families of British victims of the Sharm el-Sheikh terrorist bombing; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The British Embassy set up an emergency response team in Cairo and an office in Sharm el-Sheikh. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) also sent a Rapid Deployment Team comprising Consular Officers, Red Cross Support Personnel and a medical team from International SOS to provide support to victims and families in Egypt. Special Branch and anti-terrorist police officers were also deployed with the team. Police Family Liaison Officers were attached to each bereaved family in the UK.
	The 7 July Assistance Centre has agreed to help anyone affected by the Egypt bombings who approaches them. The Assistance Centre provides a co-ordinated response for those requiring advice as well as a sophisticated sign-posting and advice service, providing details of relevant counselling services/organisations. They will either deal with inquiries by telephone, or make an appointment to meet people to talk through their needs and concerns.
	The Law Society has agreed to extend their pro-bono legal service to those affected by the Egypt bombings. In addition, free financial advice is available from a group of companies led by Origen Financial Services.
	The FCO Aftercare Plan for victims of acts of terrorism overseas (Aftercare Plan) was activated immediately. The Aftercare Plan has paid for two members of each family who wished to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh to do so and for their accommodation while in Egypt. It paid for the medical repatriation of two victims and for the personal belongings of the injured and deceased to be returned. It also paid for the repatriation of the bodies of the three people who had not taken out an insurance policy. Death certificates will also be paid for.
	The Department for Culture, Media arid Sport are in contact with families to arrange a suitable memorial service.

Sharm el-Sheikh (Bombing)

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many families of British victims of the bombing in Sharm el-Sheikh were assisted by his Department to visit Egypt.

Kim Howells: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has paid for members of five of the eight families to travel to Sharm el-Sheikh. We will assist the other families should they wish to travel and when they are ready to do so.

St. Helena

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the disapplication of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in St. Helena.

Douglas Alexander: The English Law (Application) Ordinance provides for the law of England to be applied in St. Helena provided it is not inconsistent with a local law and is appropriate to local circumstances. There is provision in the Ordinance for specific English laws to be declared to be inappropriate to local circumstances.
	That provision was used to declare that the Freedom of Information Act 2000 was inappropriate to local circumstances because the Governor in Council considered the provisions in that Act to be incapable of effective application in the context of the financial and human resources available in the Territory.

St. Helena

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will require information held by the government of St. Helena in respect of the proposed airport on the island to be eligible for release under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Douglas Alexander: The Freedom of Information Act 2000 does not apply in St. Helena. The Government are therefore unable to require information, in respect of the proposed airport on the island, which is held by the Government of St. Helena to be eligible for release under the Act.
	Considerable material related to the proposed airport is, however, already in the public domain in the UK and on St. Helena.

St. Helena

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons publicly funded legal representation has not been made available to islanders on St. Helena who are opposed to the building of an airport on the island.

Douglas Alexander: There are no lawyers in private practice in St. Helena, however, the Public Solicitor is required to provide independent legal advice to members of the public. Such advice is provided either free of charge, or subject to contribution under the St. Helena Legal Aid and Advice Ordinance. The Public Solicitor is funded by the Department for International Development.
	In addition, local legislation provides for a system of Lay Advocates, whose activities are also publicly funded, and who have access, in appropriate cases, to overseas lawyers.

Trade Justice

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will press for trade justice at the meeting of the World Trade Organisation in Hong Kong in December.

Douglas Alexander: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Gravesham (Mr. Holloway) on 2 November 2005, Official Report, column 1092W. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear in his speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet on 14 November, the current round of World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations is an opportunity to tackle some of the most fundamental injustices at the heart of world trade and to help millions of people to escape poverty. We are making the same argument to our EU partners, the European Commission and to other WTO members and stakeholders.
	A successful, pro-development outcome to the WTO ministerial conference in Hong Kong in December remains a priority for the UK as presidency of the EU. The EU has agreed to negotiate an end to agricultural export subsidies, which are damaging to developing country producers, provided that other developed countries follow suit. The UK believes this date should be 2010. The EU is also pushing developed countries to extend tariff and quota free access to least developed countries, as the EU has already offered under the Everything But Arms initiative.
	This is also why my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced that the UK will treble aid to 100 million a year by 2010 in order to help the poorest countries develop their capacity to trade. At the G8 Gleneagles summit, the European Commission already pledged to increase its aid for trade to 1 billion per year. We have called for EU member states to match that amount. We have also challenged other G8 countries to increase their aid for trade ahead of the Hong Kong ministerial conference.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Consultants/Special Advisers

Martin Horwood: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps the Department takes to ensure that consultancies do not claim excessive expenses whilst working for her Department and its agencies.

Harriet Harman: Expenses payable to consultants are governed by our terms of contract. It is general practice to only allow expenses where these have been actually and necessarily incurred in undertaking the work involved up to an agreed maximum for the assignment. It is standard practice to pay in line with civil service travel and subsistence rates.

Consultants/Special Advisers

Martin Horwood: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will list departmental projects conducted by consultants in each year since 2000; what the cost was in each case; and what the total cost of employing consultants was in each year.

Harriet Harman: My Department does not use consultants to conduct projects. However, appropriate consultancies may be engaged to assist with specialist work, advice or other support.
	An exhaustive list of past and present Departmental projects is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The total cost of consultants in each of the financial years since 200001 is as follows:
	
		
			   million 
		
		
			 200001 2.6 
			 200102 6.5 
			 200203 5.7 
			 200304 9.0 
		
	
	This information is not held centrally by my Department, but is collected retrospectively. The data collection exercise relating to expenditure on consultancy in 200405 is under way, and on completion, details will be sent to the hon. Member.

Consultants/Special Advisers

Martin Horwood: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what mechanisms are in place to assess the effectiveness of consultant-led projects in her Department; what sanctions are available to penalise consultants who run unsuccessful projects; how many projects conducted by consultants were assessed as unsuccessful in each year since 2000; and what sanctions were imposed in each case.

Harriet Harman: My Department does not use consultants to conduct projects. However, appropriate consultancies may be engaged to assist with specialist work, advice or other support.
	Consultants engaged by my Department are required to deliver against the commitments they are contracted to deliver.
	It is the responsibility of individual project managers to monitor consultants' performance and to ensure that they meet contractual obligations.
	Appropriate sanctions for breach of contract are contained within our contract terms.
	No records are held centrally of sanctions applied within contracts and the information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Consultants/Special Advisers

Michael Penning: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many (a) consultants and (b) special advisers were employed by her Department in each year since 1997; what the cost of each was in each year; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: My Department uses consultants for expert professional advice and support on specific, time-limited tasks, usually in support of projects, but sometimes in the ongoing operation of the Department. However, information on the number of individual consultants involved in these exercises is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	My Department does collect details of expenditure with consultants on a financial year basis. From April 1997 until March 2004, my Department's expenditure with consultants was as follows:
	
		
			   million 
		
		
			 199798 0.7 
			 199899 1.2 
			 19992000 1.9 
			 200001 2.6 
			 200102 6.5 
			 200203 5.7 
			 200304 9.0 
		
	
	This information is not held centrally by my Department, but is collected retrospectively. The data collection exercise relating to expenditure on consultancy in 200405 is under way, and on completion, details will be sent to the hon. Member.
	The level of expenditure reflects the wide-ranging and fast-paced programme to modernise the Department's work, to increase efficiency, provide better customer service, and value for money for the taxpayer.
	The numbers of special advisers employed by my Department appears as follows:
	19972002: 1 special adviser per year
	200305: 2 special advisers per year
	The hon. Member is referred to the Cabinet Office response given by the Parliamentary Secretary (Jim Murphy) on 16 November 2005, which reads:
	Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and overall cost of special advisers and the number in each payband. For the most recent information I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister on 21 July 2005, Official Report, columns 15862WS.
	Information on the numbers of special advisers prior to 2003 was provided at regular intervals and this information will be available in the Library of the House.

Court Security

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many courts in (a) England and (b) the Tees Valley do not have security personnel to protect the premises.

Harriet Harman: The information requested is as follows:
	(a) The number of courts whose premises are known to have no security guarding is currently 53, the majority of which are county courts.
	(b) All courts in the Tees Valley area do have security guards.

Court Security

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much was spent on security in (a) county courts, (b) magistrates courts and (c) Crown courts in each of the last five years.

Harriet Harman: The information is found in the following table.
	
		
		
			  Crown and county Magistrates 
		
		
			 200405 10,089,096 9,932,848 
			 200304 10,818,965 9,694,162 
			 200203 9,181,097 7,769,358 
			 200102 8,077,677 6,640,247 
			 200001 7,545,521 3,839,638 
		
	
	Please note the figures in the table are for pre-HMCS period and represent best available information on magistrate courts. This is because the magistrate courts, pre-HMCS, were self-autonomous organisations and were grant funded by the Department. The split between Crown and county security costs is not available.

Departmental Contracts (Direct Mail)

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many contracts were signed by her Department in (a) 200506 to date and (b) 200405 for direct mail; and what the value was in each case.

Harriet Harman: My Department commissioned the following direct mailings detailed as follows. Information about newsletters is not held centrally; to collate that information would be disproportionate to cost.
	
		
			   Date   Purpose of direct mail Value of contract () 
		
		
			 FY 200506 to date   
			 June 2005 Letter to MPs and Peers to provide background information about the reforms proposed for Legal Aid 1,674.50 
			 October 2005 As above 1,580.00 
			 October 2005 Brochure and DVD sent to employers in the UK to raise awareness of the magistracy and to promote the business benefits of having lay magistrates as staff 8,559.78 
			 October 2005 Leaflets and letters sent to targeted offenders to recoup unpaid court fines from defaulters, as part of Operation Payback 3 campaign 430 
			 October and November 2005 Letter from DCA/ Law Society sent to 8,000 lawyers to raise their awareness of judicial appointments (part of drive to increase diversity within the Judiciary) 1,285 
			
			 FY 200405   
			 November 2004 Leaflets and letters sent to targeted offenders to recoup unpaid court fines from defaulters (Operation Payback 2) 839.95 
			 January 2005 Leaflets and posters sent to FOI Officers in public authorities, solicitors, Advice Centres, Jobcentres, GP surgeries etc. to raise awareness among staff of new responsibilities as a result of introduction of Freedom of Information Act 86,628.51

Departmental Finance

Mike Hancock: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the real terms percentage increase in allocated resources for her Department (a) was for the period 199798 to 200405 and (b) is estimated to be between 200506 and 200708 (i) for each period and (ii) for each year.

Harriet Harman: The information requested is as follows:
	(a) (i) The average annual real terms growth rate in allocated budget between 199798 and 200405 was 3.7 per cent. for Resource DEL and 16.2 per cent. for Capital DEL.
	(a) (ii) The year on year real terms change was as follows:
	
		Resource DEL
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 199899 (50)-3.4 
			 19992000 (50)3.2 
			 200001 (50)6.5 
			 200102 9.4 
			 200203 9.8 
			 200304 -2.8 
			 200405 4.3 
		
	
	(50) Cash basis.
	
		Capital DEL
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 199899 -10.7 
			 19992000 -39.4 
			 200001 68.2 
			 200102 22.4 
			 200203 23.4 
			 200304 65.3 
			 200405 25.8 
		
	
	(b) (i) The average annual real growth rate in allocated budget between 200506 and 200708 is -1.7 per cent. for Resource DEL and -10.7 per cent. for Capital DEL.
	(b) (ii) The year on year real terms change is as follows:
	
		Resource DEL
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 200607 -2.0 
			 200708 -1.4 
		
	
	
		Capital DEL
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 200607 -23.0 
			 200708 3.5

Electoral Commissioners

Fraser Kemp: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will seek to amend the relevant legislation to allow (a) local councillors, (b) other publicly elected office holders, (c) people who have made donations to a registered political party within the last 10 years and (d) (i) officers, (ii) employees, (iii) members, and (iv) people who have been members within the last 10 years of a registered political party, to serve as electoral commissioners.

Harriet Harman: There are currently no plans to amend the eligibility criteria for appointment as an Electoral Commissioner as set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000.

Electoral Fraud

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many arrests there have been in each year since 1997 for non-voter registration.

Harriet Harman: It is not an offence in electoral law to fail to register to vote although it is an offence to fail to complete and return an annual registration canvass form to an electoral registration officer (ERO). EROs are responsible for compiling a register of eligible electors for their registration area and would hold locally any records regarding prosecutions for failure to supply information requested as may the police in respect of any related arrests. Such information is not collected centrally for the UK.

Gravesend County Court

Adam Holloway: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the average waiting time for small claims from allocation to hearing was at the Gravesend county court in (a) 200304 and (b) 200405.

Harriet Harman: The average waiting time for small claims for 200304 was 72.7 per cent. and for 200405 were 63.8 per cent. of claims heard within 15 weeks of allocation.
	The latest data (September 2005) indicates that performance now shows 100 per cent. of small claims heard within 15 weeks.
	The key factors related to previous performance are judicial allocations and courthouse capacity.

Gravesend County Court

Adam Holloway: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many drugs possession cases were heard at the Gravesend and Dartford county court in (a) 200304 and (b) 200405.

Harriet Harman: When referring to Drugs cases I can only assume that the hon. Member means drug testing and treatment orders (DTTOs) which is a criminal matter and are therefore not heard in any county court; county courts deal with civil matters only.
	No drugs cases were heard in Gravesend or Dartford county courts for the specified period.

Her Majesty's Courts Service

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what funding has been made available for the start-up costs of Her Majesty's Courts Service.

Harriet Harman: The resource budget for HMCS' first year of inception in 200506 is 962.52 million. The funding allocation is net of income and efficiency savings. The difference in the running costs of pre and post HMCS included in the funding is 217 million.

National Minimum Wage

Katy Clark: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many employees in her Department were affected by the rise in the national minimum wage on 1 October.

Bridget Prentice: None of our employees were affected by the rise in the national minimum wage on 1 October.

Postal Voting

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make it a requirement for the returning officer to make available a marked register indicating postal voters in West Lancashire.

Harriet Harman: There is currently no provision in electoral law for a Returning Officer to prepare a register of postal voters marked to show which of them returned their postal votes. However, the Electoral Administration Bill currently before Parliament does make such provision, and our intention is that marked registers of returned postal votes will therefore be available after future elections.

Postal Voting

Sarah Teather: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what estimate she has made of the extent of postal vote fraud in (a) the last round of local elections and (b) the last general election.

Harriet Harman: We are aware of allegations of electoral fraud in five areas at the last general and local elections on 5 May 2005. some of which are currently the subject of police investigation. However, no systematic central record is kept of such allegations and there may be others of which we are not aware. Where incidences of electoral fraud are discovered, or allegations made, they should be reported to, and investigated by, the relevant police authority.
	The Government are nonetheless aware that these and previous cases have highlighted areas for improvement in the process of postal voting. Our policy paper 'Electoral Administration-a policy paper for discussion', published on 25 May 2005 put forward a number of proposals aimed at increasing the security of postal voting. We intend to introduce secondary legislation to implement these proposals in time for the local elections in May 2006.

Special Advisers

John Hemming: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will list the special advisers in post in her Department, broken down by pay band; and what the total budgeted cost to her Department of special advisers is for 200506.

Bridget Prentice: Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and overall cost of special advisers and the number in each payband. For the most recent information I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister on 21 July 2005, Official Report, columns 15862WS.
	Information on the numbers of special advisers prior to 2003 was provided at regular intervals and this information will be available in the Library of the House.
	Information relating to costs for 200506 will be published after the end of the current financial year.

Teesside Coroner

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether the Lord Chancellor has continued to require the Teesside coroner to provide monthly reports since the end of June.

Harriet Harman: The coroner for Teesside has continued to provide monthly reports to the Lord Chancellor since the end of June. The last report was for September 2005 and the position with regard to outstanding inquests at that time was that a total of 193 inquest cases were outstanding with 44 of those over six months old.

Young Offenders

Ben Chapman: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the average time was between arrest and sentence for convicted young offenders in Merseyside in 200405; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The Department does not collect this information centrally for all convicted young offenders but it does collect information for all offenders who are classified as Persistent Young Offenders.
	The most recent figures available are for Persistent Young Offenders sentenced during August 2005. They indicate that the average time between arrest and sentence in Merseyside is 56 days compared to a target of 71 days. For the whole of 2005 to the end of August the figure is 58 days.

Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act

Vera Baird: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what monitoring is being carried out on the take-up and impact of special measures under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999.

Fiona Mactaggart: I have been asked to reply.
	Two major research studies on special measures were commissioned by the Home Office. The first assessed the satisfaction of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. The report 'Are special measures working? Evidence from surveys of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses' (Home Office Research Study 283, available at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs04/hors283.pdf) was published in June 2004. Key findings from the research were also published in Home Office Findings 240 and are available at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs04/r240.pdf.
	Key points are that a third of witnesses using special measures would not have been willing and able to give evidence without the availability of these measures and that those who used the measures were significantly more likely to express satisfaction with the criminal justice system. The report of the second study evaluating the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in implementing the special measures is likely to be published in early 2006.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alcohol and Drug Misuse

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of prisoners in Welsh prisons have been tested for drug use in the last four years, broken down by prison.

Fiona Mactaggart: There are three main types of drug testing in prisons: clinical, mandatory and voluntary. Full data on clinical and voluntary testing is not held centrally.
	Under the mandatory programme, prisons are required, depending on population size to random test either five or 10 per cent. of their population each month. Targeted mandatory tests are also undertaken. Voluntary tests at a minimum of 18/yr are undertaken as part of a voluntary agreement or compact between a prison and prisoner. The number of compacts, details of which are held centrally, is an indirect measure of number of tests. The table sets out the percentage of tests in Welsh prisons in each of the last four years, along with the percentage of voluntary compacts.
	
		Percentage
		
			  200102 200203 
			  Random Target Compacts Random Target Compacts 
		
		
			 Cardiff 4.9 2.7 38.3 5.0 2.0 56.7 
			 Parc 4.9 0.5 3.6 4.6 0.2 18.9 
			 Swansea 9.4 2.5 12.3 13.6 2.3 24.9 
			 Usk/Prescoed 10.1 1.0 99.0 10.0 0.6 119.2 
		
	
	
		Percentage
		
			  200304 200405 
			  Random Target Compacts Random Target Compacts 
		
		
			 Cardiff 5.2 2.4 41.7 5.3 2.7 62.6 
			 Parc 5.0 0.6 19.7 5.0 0.3 32.7 
			 Swansea 9.4 0.8 31.8 9.8 1.0 31.1 
			 Usk/Prescoed 10.0 0.7 29.0 10.0 1.1 26.8 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The voluntary compact per cent. figures are those quoted by the establishments as at the end of March of the financial year.
	2. Some prisoners will be tested more than once in any one year, particularly for targeted testing.
	3. Percentage figures are based on the average population.

Animal Testing (Attacks)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government is taking to improve the security of animal testing centres from attack by extremists.

Paul Goggins: We condemn outright the harassment and intimidation by animal rights extremists of those going about their lawful business. Our aim is to eradicate this despicable threat and ensure that life saving research and testing can continue freely in the UK. We have in place a tough interdepartmental strategy to do this. We will maintain pressure on animal rights extremists and, in co-operation with law enforcement agencies and industry, will continue to develop protective measures against the extremist threat.
	Steps we have recently taken include: new legislation to protect animal research organisations which has led to the arrests of several individuals; additional resources for the police; and the appointment of a National Co-ordinator for Domestic Extremism with a central team to drive forward police action nationally. Several leading extremists have been convicted this year and others face charges.

Car Seizures

Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cars were impounded in Leeds North West in each year since 1997; and what the cost was in each year.

Paul Goggins: We do not collect centrally data on the numbers of vehicles removed or seized by the police or on the associated costs.

Children Act (Smacking)

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suspects have been (a) arrested for and (b) charged with smacking children under the Children Act 2004 since it came into force.

Fiona Mactaggart: None. The Children Act 2004 simply removes the defence of 'reasonable punishment' in relation to certain criminal offences, such as assault causing grievous bodily harm. Charges against a person alleged to have assaulted a child would be brought under the relevant criminal legislation, depending on the circumstances of the case.
	Information on arrests collected centrally is based on persons arrested for 'notifiable' offences by main offence group. It does not distinguish between specific offences. Information on the number of persons charged by offence is not collected centrally.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood of 19 September to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport regarding the domestic violence register on behalf of Debra Michele Powell which was forwarded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to his Department, DCMS reference CMS/23392.

Fiona Mactaggart: A response to the letter from my right hon. Friend of 19 September to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport regarding the domestic violence register on behalf of Debra Michele Powell, which was forwarded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to the Home Office, DCMS reference CMS/23392, was sent by Baroness Scotland, on 18 November 2005.

Criminal Cases Review Commission

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the reasons were for the reduction in funding for the Criminal Cases Review Commission between 2003 and 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) received a total budget in 200405 of 8,462,000 compared with 8,080,000 in 200304. The CCRC received less grant in aid in 200405 because of the requirement to use cash reserves which they had accrued from previous years, in accordance with the rules of 'Government Accounting'. This is the Treasury guidance which specifies that grant in aid should not be issued in advance of need and that cash balances should be kept at a minimum.

Criminal Injuries Compensation

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the members of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board; what the qualifications are of each member; and how long each has served as a member of the Board.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board administered the non-statutory criminal injuries compensation scheme in force until 31 March 1996. The Board was wound up on 31 March 2000. The old scheme was superseded, from 1 April 1996 by a new, statutory, tariff based scheme. The tariff scheme is administered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). CICA does not have a board of members. Claims are determined by 'claims officers', who are civil servants seconded to the Authority from the Home Office and the Scottish Executive. Appeals against decisions of CICA are considered by adjudicators in the independent Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (CICAP). Curriculum vitae of CICAP adjudicators are given in the Panel's annual reports and accounts, copies of which are placed in the Library.

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 31 October 2005, Official Report, column 772W, what measures are being taken to decrease the length of time spent processing an application for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2001.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) are recruiting more staff to deal with claims. The statutory 'Code of Practice for Victims of Crime', published in October 2005, requires both CICA and the police to meet obligations set out in the code about dealing with applications for criminal injuries compensation. And CICA and the police have concluded a new protocol to ensure a more rapid turn-round by the police of CICA requests for information.

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many awards were made for criminal injury compensation in each year from 2001 to 2005; what the (a) average and (b) maximum period of time taken to make the award was in each year; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: The following information has been provided by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
	
		
			  Financial year  Money awards made Median time to make awards (months) 
		
		
			 200001 36,924 68 
			 200102 39,813 68 
			 200203 42,283 68 
			 200304 41,354 68 
			 200405 35,446 810 
		
	
	Some claims can take many years before final settlement is possible. For example, cases involving serious injuries to children, where the final prognosis and settlement may have to be deferred until the claimant reaches adulthood. Pending final settlement of cases like these, interim awards can be made.

Dental Treatment (Compensation)

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to ensure compensation awarded as a result of an assault covers costs incurred for dental treatment.

Fiona Mactaggart: The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme pays compensation on the basis of a tariff (scale) of awards that groups together injuries of comparable severity and allocates a financial value to them. Awards for dental injuries range from a level 2 award of 1,250 to a level 8 award of 3,800.

Drug Abuse

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the cross-departmental plan to tackle drug abuse among young people, with particular reference to the 30 high-focus areas referred to on page 103 of the 2005 Departmental Report.

Paul Goggins: Good progress is being made in implementing the cross departmental plan to tackle drug misuse among young people. The 200405 British Crime Survey shows that in the past year Class A drug use by 16 to 24-year-olds has been stable while the number using any drug has fallen. Closer links between drugs services and children's services are being developed; underpinned by joint Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and Home Office (HO) guidance issued as a part of the Every Child Matters Change for Children Programme. 30 High Focus Areas are leading the way in implementing this guidance through the delivery of effective prevention and early intervention services for young people most at risk from drugs.

Drug Smugglers

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug smugglers have been convicted in each year since 1998.

Paul Goggins: The available information relates to the unlawful importation or exportation of a drug controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
	The number of persons found guilty by the courts, cautioned by police or dealt with by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise compounding in England and Wales for these offences totalled 1,340 in 1998, 1,310 in 1999, 1,290 in 2000, 1,800 in 2001, 1,740 in 2002 and 1,170 in 2003. Data for 2004 are scheduled to be published in November 2005.

Drug Treatment

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has commissioned on the effectiveness of drug treatment programmes in (a) HMP Wandsworth and (b) other prisons in England and Wales.

Fiona Mactaggart: Research into the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust (RAPt) programme, currently running at Her Majesty's prison Wandsworth, has shown positive resultswith 40 per cent. of graduates, rather than an expected 51 per cent. reoffending within two years.
	Wider research also demonstrates the effectiveness of drug treatment programmes, which can achieve a reduction of up to 15 per cent. in the extent of reoffending.
	The research emphasises that such results can only be achieved where effective through-care arrangements are made and timely after-care services are available in the community.

Drug-related Crime

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the level of drug-related crime was in (a) the Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) England and Wales in each year since 1997.

Paul Goggins: Recorded crime figures are used to measure the extent of crime in local areas. Although these include statistics on drugs offences, such as possession and supply, and acquisitive crimes which may be drug-related, such as burglary and shoplifting, they do not contain information on the offender's drug habits. It is therefore not possible to provide reliable estimates from these statistics of the numbers of crimes that are drug-related in different areas.

Forgery Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) males and (b) females have been (i) charged and (ii) convicted in England and Wales of offences under sections (A) 34 and (B) 36 of the Forgery Act 1861 in each year since 1984.

Fiona Mactaggart: Statistics on the number of persons charged with a crime are not centrally collected.
	Data collected on the Home Office Court Proceedings database for offences under the Forgery Act 1861 are in paper format prior to 2003. As these records need to be manually analysed, sample years have be selected and are shown in the table. The number of convictions under S34 of the Forgery Act 1861 'Acknowledge bail in false name' is contained in the table for years 1992, 1997, 200204. There were no convictions under S36 of the Act 'Destroying, injuring, forging or falsifying registers of births, baptisms, marriages, deaths or burials or certified copies'.
	Paper records prior to 1992 are no longer available.
	
		Number of males and females convicted at all courts under S.34 Forgery Act 1861 in England and Wales, 1992, 1997, 200204(51)
		
			 Offence: Acknowledge bail in false name 
			 Statute: Forgery Act 1861 S.34 
			  Found guilty 
			  Male Female 
		
		
			 1992 20  
			 1997 13  
			 2002 9 3 
			 2003 16 2 
			 2004 7 1 
		
	
	(51) These data are on the principal offence basis
	Court statistics for 2005 will be available in autumn 2006.

Homophobic Crime

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidences of crime involving an element of homophobia were reported in each year between 1999 and 2004, broken down by police authority.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is not collected centrally as offences involving homophobia are not separately identified in the recorded crime series.

Illegal Drugs Trade

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the value of the illegal drugs trade in (a) Southend, (b) Essex and (c) the Metropolitan police area of London in the past 15 years.

Paul Goggins: The Home Office does not estimate the value of the illegal drugs trade at a local level. We do, however, estimate the overall size of the market for illicit drugs on a national basis. In 2001, the Home Office published an estimate of the size of the market for illicit drugs in the UK which amounted to around 6.6 billion in 1998. Full details of this study (Occasional Paper 74) are available to download at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/drugs1.html.

Jury Trials

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to bring into force part 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 relating to conducting complex trials without a jury; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: Further to the statement made in both Houses on 21 June 2005, Official Report, column 35WS, a draft order to bring section 43 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (which makes provision for serious or complex fraud cases to be tried without a jury) into force on 1 January 2006 was laid before Parliament on 27 October. The Criminal Justice Act 2003 (Commencement No. 12 and Transitory Provisions) Order 2005 requires an affirmative resolution of both Houses.

Learco Chindamo

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make inquiries of the Parole Board whether it is intended to release Learco Chindamo from prison in the near future; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: holding answer 21 November 2005
	The independent Parole Board cannot consider the question of Mr. Chindamo's suitability for release on life licence until he has served the minimum period of imprisonment necessary to meet the requirements of retribution and deterrence (the tariff). Mr. Chindamo's tariff was set at 12 years and will not expire until 2008.
	My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will provide the Parole Board with his view of Mr. Chindamo's potential risk and he will also be represented at the parole hearing. However, the decision on whether or not to release Mr. Chindamo on tariff expiry will be a matter for the Parole Board panel. That decision will be based on the level of harm to the public that the panel considers he presents at that time.

Murder

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were successfully prosecuted for murder, where they were judged to have been provoked (a) between 1996 and 2001 and (b) since 2001.

Fiona Mactaggart: The available information from the Home Office Court Proceedings database on the number of successful prosecutions for murder and manslaughter, 1996 to 2003, is contained in the table. It is not possible to identify those convictions where the defendant was judged to have been provoked, as the circumstances surrounding an offence are not centrally collected.
	
		Number of offenders found guilty at all courts for certain offences under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861(52), England and Wales 1996 to 2003
		
			  Found guilty 
			  Murder Manslaughter(53)(5508410054) 
		
		
			 1996 257 529 
			 1997 275 541 
			 1998 256 549 
			 1999 252 484 
			 2000 261 505 
			 2001 285 565 
			 2002 324 619 
			 2003 277 561 
		
	
	(52) These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(53) Covers: manslaughter, infanticide, child destruction, causing death by dangerous driving, diminished responsibility and causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.
	(54) Found guilty figures may include those prosecutions for murder that were reduced to manslaughter.
	Statistics on court proceedings for 2004 will be published in late November.

National Offender Management Service

Elfyn Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are for the replacement of the chief executive of the National Offender Management Service; and what the recruitment arrangements will be.

Fiona Mactaggart: The chief executive post will be subject to an external recruitment campaign. The Department is being assisted in this process by a specialist, external recruitment agency.
	The Civil Service Commissioners are fully involved in this process, and a Commissioner will chair the selection panel.
	The post is permanent and pensionable.

Parole

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list (a) the crimes committed by prisoners released on parole and (b) the number of individuals who committed each crime while on parole in the last year for which figures are available.

Fiona Mactaggart: The requested information is not recorded in this format centrally and is thus not available.

Passports

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passport applications have been refused (a) to prevent individuals from leaving the UK to avoid prosecution or legal action, (b) to individuals considered to be notoriously undesirable or dangerous and (c) to prevent the international abduction of children in the last 10 years; and whether there are any other circumstances in which passports have been refused.

Andy Burnham: Passports are issued at the discretion of the Secretary of State in exercise of the Royal Prerogative. Apart from those applications that are unsuccessful because the applicant does not hold British nationality or because identity is not satisfactorily established, there are additionally four separate circumstances where an individuals passport application is refused. These are
	1. a minor whose journey is known to be contrary to a court, order, to the wishes of a parent or other person or authority who has been granted a residence or care order and in other similar circumstances;
	2. a person for whose arrest a warrant has been issued in the United Kingdom or who is wanted by the police on suspicion of a serious crime;
	3. in very rare cases, a person whose past or proposed activities were so demonstrably undesirable that passport facilities would be contrary to the public interest; and
	4. a person repatriated from abroad at public expense until the debt has been repaid.
	The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 makes provision for the Crown Courts to impose travel restriction orders on certain drug trafficking offenders and to confiscate the passports of those who are British nationals for the period of the travel ban. The courts provide details to the UKPS of those subject to a travel restriction order.
	The UKPS records of other unsuccessful applications are not held in a form which distinguishes between those where the claim to a passport is not established and those refused on one of the grounds above.

Police Reform Act (Schedule 4)

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many vehicles being used in a manner which contravened sections 3 or 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 have been seized by (a) community support officers and (b) police officers under paragraph 9 of schedule 4 to the Police Reform Act 2002 in each of the last four years, broken down by police authority.

Paul Goggins: The figures requested are not collected centrally.

Politically Exposed Persons

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures his Department has in place for (a) identifying and (b) tracking politically exposed persons who bring wealth derived from the illicit acquisition of foreign states' public assets into the United Kingdom.

Paul Goggins: The National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) has procedures in place to identify persons, including politically exposed persons, suspected of being in possession of criminal property and to refer the intelligence to law enforcement agencies. Much intelligence of this nature comes by way of suspicious activity reports made to NCIS by UK banks and others within the 'regulated sector' under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. The Home Office works closely with NCIS, other Government Departments, law enforcement and industry to ensure the effectiveness of these procedures.

Prisons

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to provide more prison places over the next five years.

Fiona Mactaggart: There is a funded building programme to increase operational capacity to 79,100 by June 2006 and 80,400 by 2007.
	We continue to investigate options for providing further increases in capacity.

Prisons

Andrew Pelling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the prison population has been (a) in total, (b) in the Prison Service and (c) within private prisons in each of the last five years.

Fiona Mactaggart: The requested information for England and Wales is in the following table, as recorded on the Prison Service IT system.
	
		Population of prison population by category and year. England and Wales 30 June
		
			  Contracted out Prison service establishments Total 
		
		
			 2001 7,722 58,681 66,403 
			 2002 8,975 62,243 71,218 
			 2003 9,270 64,387 73,657 
			 2004 9,265 65,223 74,488 
			 2005 9,990 66,200 76,190

Prisons

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken to reduce the availability of illegal drugs in prisons.

Fiona Mactaggart: A comprehensive framework exists to reduce the availability and spread of illegal drugs in prisons. It includes:
	passive and active drug dogs;
	closed circuit television systems and fixed and low-level furniture;
	closed visits and visit bans on visitors suspected of smuggling drugs;
	sharing of intelligence with police about drug routes into prisons;
	the use of the Supply Reduction Good Practice Guide; and mandatory drug testing.

Prisons

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will increase the amount spent on drug rehabilitation schemes in prisons.

Fiona Mactaggart: Given drug treatment's key role in rehabilitating offenders and reducing re-offending, the Government have invested heavily in a wide range of drug treatment in prisons. In the past year alone, an additional 3.4 million made available for intensive drug rehabilitation programmes. Substantial funding is also being invested over the next three years to boost the amount and quality of treatment available to drug-misusers in prisoncrucially during the first 28 days in custody.

Prisons

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specific training is given to staff working with girls under 18 years in prisons.

Fiona Mactaggart: In March 2004 the Prison Service and Youth Justice Board introduced the Juvenile Awareness Staff Programme to set a minimum standard of training for those working with children and young people, both boys and girls, in custody. The programme was reviewed in 2005 and new modules were added to the existing programme. The programme now includes modules on, among other things, safeguarding, child protection, mental health, substance misuse, vulnerability assessment, resettlement planning and managing difficult behaviour. This training has been delivered to all existing and new staff who work on the dedicated units for young women. Overall 1,000 staff have completed the programme to date.

Prisons

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what criteria life prisoners are assessed by the Parole Board for release.

Fiona Mactaggart: In considering the possible release of any tariff expired life sentence prisoner, the Parole Board is required by statute to satisfy itself that
	it is no longer necessary for the protection of the public that the prisoner should be confined.
	The Parole Board makes risk assessments of life sentence prisoners against criteria contained in directions given by the Secretary of State under Section 32 (6) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991. In addition, Rules made under Section 32(5) of that Act outline the procedural arrangements for the appointment of board panels to consider lifer cases and the provision of evidence. The directions and rules were amended on 1 August 2004 following changes to the release arrangements for mandatory life sentence prisoners as introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2003. My predecessor (Paul Goggins) announced those changes in a written ministerial statement on 22 July 2004. A copy of his statement is available in the Library.

Prisons

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the requirements for parole for life prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Fiona Mactaggart: There are no plans to review the parole system for life sentence prisoners. The release of all life sentence prisoners who have served the minimum period of imprisonment for the purposes of retribution and deterrence (the tariff), is entirely a matter for the independent Parole Board.

Prisons

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many prisoners are waiting to attend (a) lifer victim awareness courses and (b) alcohol management courses;
	(2)  how many prisons are running (a) alcohol management and (b) lifer victim awareness courses.

Fiona Mactaggart: Information on (a) alcohol management and (b) lifer victim awareness courses is not collated centrally.
	A number of prisons run alcohol management courses. There are no nationally accredited lifer victim awareness courses run by the Prison Service. Her Majesty's prison The Mount delivers a lifer victim awareness course.
	Information on the number of prisoners waiting to attend such courses is not collated centrally.

Prisons

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many lifer victim awareness courses are accredited for prisons in the UK.

Fiona Mactaggart: There are no nationally accredited lifer victim awareness courses run by the Prison Service. However, accredited general offending behaviour courses do include a victim perspective, and programmes such as the Sex Offender Treatment Programme also engage offenders in victim empathy work.

Prisons

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how courses are chosen for life prisoners in order that they can demonstrate they have progressed before they are considered for parole.

Fiona Mactaggart: Prison staff are required to complete a life sentence plan (LSP) for all life sentence prisoners. The LSP framework provides the prisoner with a series of objectives designed to help him or her reduce their risk, and the means by which such a reduction might be achieved.
	Specific risk reduction work, in the form of offending behaviour programmes, courses and other treatment options will be identified and managed throughout sentence by prison staff and treatment managers. The prisoner is involved in the LSP process and will be aware of the various targets and objectives. Selection for particular interventions will depend on a number of factors. These include, for example, an assessment of suitability, the prisoner's motivation to address the various treatment needs, the availability and location of the intervention, the proximity of the tariff expiry date, the sequencing of the individual's treatment needs alongside areas like work, education or vocational training. Treatment managers in prisons are largely responsible for prioritising cases and managing waiting lists for programmes and courses. In this respect, the treatment needs of life sentence prisoners would also have to be prioritised as appropriate, alongside those of determinate sentence prisoners.

Reoffending Statistics

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the rate of reoffending within (a) three years, (b) four years, (c) five years and (d) 10 years has been for prisoners released in each of the last 10 years.

Fiona Mactaggart: Actual re-offending rates are not available. Reconviction rates are a commonly used proxy and two year reconviction rates are published annually.
	The most recent data are shown in the table. Owing to the administrative costs of matching criminal histories, the results shown relate to the reconviction results for samples of offenders.
	There are no recent data on longer term reconviction rates.
	
		
			   Year of discharge(55) Percentages of prisoners reconvicted of standard list offences within two years of discharge from prison 
		
		
			 1992 51 
			 1993 53 
			 1994 56 
			 1995 58 
			 1996 57 
			 1997 58 
			 1998 59 
			 1999 59 
			 2000 N/A 
			 2001 61 
		
	
	(55) The reconviction rates are based on all those prisoners discharged in the first three months of the years shown.

Road Safety

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people received a positive breathalyser test in the Cleveland police area in each of the last five years, broken down by basic command unit.

Paul Goggins: Information from 1999 to 2003 (latest available) for Cleveland police area is given in the table. The information is collected centrally at police force area level only. Data for 2004 will be published early in 2006.
	
		Number of positive/refused screening breath tests, Cleveland 19992003(56)
		
			 Cleveland Numbers 
		
		
			 1999 800 
			 2000 800 
			 2001 800 
			 2002 800 
			 2003(56) 1,100 
		
	
	(56) Following comparisons between the number of positive breath tests requested by each police force in 2003 and the number of court proceedings drink/driving related offences, it became clear that there was under-reporting in a number of forces. As a result Cleveland court proceedings figures have been substituted for the positive breath test figure.
	Note:
	Numbers in the table have been rounded to the nearest 100.

Sex Abuse Investigations

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a Royal Commission to examine the processes used in sex abuse investigations.

Paul Goggins: The Government and the police continue to work together in order to ensure that investigations of allegations of sexual abuse are effective as well as sensitive to the needs and concerns of complainants and alleged offenders. In the light of such initiatives, we do not consider that the case for setting up a Royal Commission has been made.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the merits of seeking to introduce a new offence of intentionally transmitting a serious disease.

Hazel Blears: The Home Office consulted on the issue of offences of violence in 1998, and this included the issue of causing harm by transmitting a serious disease.
	Anyone who intentionally transmits a serious disease and thereby causes harm may be guilty of an offence of intentionally causing Grievous Bodily Harm under section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Recent cases have confirmed that anyone who recklessly sexually transmits a serious disease may be guilty of an offence of maliciously causing grievous bodily harm under section 20 of the 1861 Act. Home Office officials are working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to develop guidelines for prosecutors and information for the public which will help clarify what the CPS take into account when deciding whether to prosecute.

Steven John Toplass

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide financial compensation for Stephen John Toplass, in connection with his incarceration in Spain.

Douglas Alexander: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government do not pay compensation to UK citizens who are detained overseas. Compensation is a matter for the host Government. If Mr. Toplass wishes to pursue this question further, he should seek the advice of his lawyer.

Terrorism Bill

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Cambridgeshire Constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Cambridgeshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Patrick McLoughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October, on which the chief constable or other senior police officers of Derbyshire constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Derbyshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form of contact that took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Derbyshire constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Greater Manchester police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Greater Manchester about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Greater Manchester police.

Terrorism Bill

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Cheshire constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Cheshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Cheshire constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Merseyside police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Merseyside about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Merseyside police.

Terrorism Bill

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October, on which the (i) chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Hertfordshire constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Hertfordshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Hertfordshire police.

Terrorism Bill

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October, on which the (i) chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Nottingham Police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Nottinghamshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police.

Terrorism Bill

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which the (i) acting chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Norfolk constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Norfolk about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Norfolk constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Dorset police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Dorset about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Dorset.

Terrorism Bill

David Maclean: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October, on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Cumbria constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Cumbria about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Cumbria constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which the (i) chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of the Metropolitan Police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in London about the Terrorism Bill; and what form the contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of the Metropolitan Police.

Terrorism Bill

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Staffordshire Police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Staffordshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form the contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of the Staffordshire Police.

Terrorism Bill

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Essex police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Essex about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Essex police.

Terrorism Bill

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of North Wales Police/Heddlu Gogledd Cymru contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in North Wales about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constables of North Wales and Heddlu Gogledd Cymru constabularies.

Terrorism Bill

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of West Midlands police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in the West Midlands about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of West Midlands police.

Terrorism Bill

Michael Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Lancashire constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Lancashire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Lancashire.

Terrorism Bill

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of City of London police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in the City of London about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constables City of London police.

Terrorism Bill

Andrew MacKay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Thames Valley police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Thames Valley about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Thames Valley police.

Terrorism Bill

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Kent police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Kent about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Kent constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Brian Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Northamptonshire police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Northamptonshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Northamptonshire constabulary

Terrorism Bill

Peter Atkinson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of (A) Cleveland police, (B) Northumbria police and (C) Durham police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in the relevant police force area about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constables of Cleveland, Northumbria Durham constabularies.

Terrorism Bill

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Surrey police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Surrey about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Surrey constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Wiltshire Constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Wiltshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Wiltshire Constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Bedfordshire Police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Bedfordshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Bedfordshire Police.

Terrorism Bill

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Leicestershire Constabulary contacted honourable Members representing constituencies in Leicestershire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Leicestershire Constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Avon and Somerset Constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Avon and Somerset about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Dyfed Powys Police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Dyfed Powys about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Dyfed Powys Police.

Terrorism Bill

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October, on which the (i) chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Hampshire Constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Hampshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October, on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of North Yorkshire Police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in North Yorkshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of North Yorkshire Police.

Terrorism Bill

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October, on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Gloucestershire Constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Gloucestershire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of West Yorkshire police contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in West Yorkshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of West Yorkshire Police.

Terrorism Bill

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before 26 October and (b) after 26 October on which the (i) chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of South Wales Police/Heddlu De Cymru contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in South Wales about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of the South Wales Police.

Terrorism Bill

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October, on which the (i) chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of Gwent police/Heddlu Gwent contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Gwent about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of Gwent police.

Terrorism Bill

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of South Yorkshire constabulary contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in South Yorkshire about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the chief constable of the South Yorkshire constabulary.

Terrorism Bill

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions (a) before and (b) after 26 October on which (i) the chief constable and (ii) other senior police officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland contacted hon. Members representing constituencies in Northern Ireland about the Terrorism Bill; and what form that contact took.

Charles Clarke: This is a matter for the Chief Constable of the Northern Ireland Police Service.

Young Offenders

Rudi Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young offenders aged 18 to 20 years were received into prison under sentence or remand in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) ethnic group and (b) sex.

Fiona Mactaggart: The requested information is in the table, as recorded on the central Prison Service IT system.
	
		Total number of young adult (18 to 20 years old) receptions into prison establishments by sex England and Wales
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2004  
			 Males 17,713 
			 Females 1,401 
			 Total 19,114 
			 2003  
			 Males 18,297 
			 Females 1,607 
			 Total 19,904 
			   
			 2002  
			 Males 19,869 
			 Females 1,784 
			 Total 21,653 
			   
			 2001  
			 Males 20,133 
			 Females 1,701 
			 Total 21,834 
			   
			 2000  
			 Males 20,624 
			 Females 1,599 
			 Total 22,223